Yuri Kulakin "North-South corridor will strengthen the economy of its participants"

Yesterday, the seventh international conference "Rail transit of mining and metallurgical cargoes" has ended in Moscow. It is a major international business forum, which became a platform for business meetings and negotiations of the largest industrial companies. In an interview with Vestnik Kavkaza, director general of 'InterRail Service' Yuri Kulakin discussed the project of 'North-South' international transport corridor, which will connect the railway systems of Russia, Azerbaijan and Iran in the future.

- What can you say about this conference - was it useful for those who work in railway industry?

- I think such events are very useful in terms of exchange of experience between all those who participate in the transportation process - rolling stock owners, freight owners, operators, freight forwarders, authorities that regulate processes and railways.

- How can the creation of this transport corridor in the region change its economic state?

- Transport corridor that goes through the entire region increases its potential. If we talk about transit, then transport corridor also increases logistic potential of the region, since certain cargoes are imported to this region or are exported from it through this corridor. Its competitiveness increases and its economy improves accordingly.

- In your opinion, what makes 'North-South' international transport corridor better compared to other methods of deliveries?

- 'North-South' is a corridor that was discussed for many years, and now this project is finally being implemented. It is supported by its participants, we can see their political will. Its development is came at the right time, since China's economic growth somewhat slowed, and India, on the contrary, is already seen as the next economic leader of the macro-region. From the point of view of India's leadership, 'North-South' is very important for those countries that are involved in its development. They obviously want to be a part of possible traffic flows and form a workable corridor. 

- How frequent is the exchange of cargoes between Russia and Iran right now?

- There is a cargo flow today, just like it existed during the period of sanctions. At the same time, there is an even greater interest in mutual cargo turnover due to the removal sanctions. Unfortunately, there were certain problems associated with signing of contracts on deliveries. Everything is ready in terms of logistics: there is infrastructure and tariff policy is competitive. All that's left is to sign several contracts on deliveries.

- What products are the most popular in this area right now? What other products could be delivered through 'North-South' corridor?

- Iran is interested in many Russian products. It is interested in wood and paper, above all. Iran attaches great importance to quality, and in terms of the Iranian market Russian products have high quality. Historical ties allow to expect that many Russian products are in demand in Iran. At the same time, there is a problem of feedback. Today, the foundation of Iran's export potential consists of carpets and pistachios. It's up to logisticians and the market to form mutual cargo traffic through this corridor. This is the task for the future in the framework of development of our mutual potential. 

- How comfortable is Russian business in the Iranian market?

- Russian business feels pretty comfortable, although the Iranian market has its own features. I would like to note that the work of our company is not like the work of simple Russian company, but it's like the work of company that is a part of an international holding, which also includes the Iranian side. For years we have developed mutual understanding, strong business, commercial and personal contacts that allow us to guarantee quality product.