Islamabad (TDI): Pakistan Railways Freight Chief Executive Officer Sufiyan Sarfaraz Dogar has announced that an international freight train service to Russia is expected to start operations by March 15 this year – an initiative aimed at boosting regional trade with Iran, Kazakhstan, Turkmenistan and Russia.
He sought containerised cargo commitments from the entire business community, especially from members of the All Pakistan Textile Mills Association (Aptma), to the new service.
He highlighted the significant potential for enhancing trade among Pakistan, Russia and transit nations including Iran, Turkmenistan and Kazakhstan.
Dogar shared details of Pakistan-Russia freight train facility during his visit to the Aptma office on Wednesday.
He informed businessmen that the freight train would operate from Qasim International Container Terminal and Pakistan International Container Terminal, providing container capacity options for 22 tons and 44 tons.
Also Read: Pakistan, Saudi Arabia Agree on Joint Media Ventures
He said that this rail link marks a major step forward in regional trade infrastructure.
Taftan station in Pakistan will serve as the main entry point for goods moving along the global, he said.
The CEO added that issues related to deployment of Customs officials at Taftan entry point have almost been resolved.
He told Aptma members that with the commencement of freight service, Russia would be able to export natural gas, oil, steel and industrial goods directly to Pakistan.
In return, Pakistani exporters will gain enhanced access to Iran, Turkmenistan, Kazakhstan and Russian markets for textile, food and agricultural products including wheat, rice and cotton.
Also Read: Pakistan Urges Support for Developing Nations’ Growth
He said that Pakistan and Russia had inked a memorandum of understanding (MoU) for collaboration in the railway sector during the 27th Saint Petersburg International Economic Forum in June 2024.
The deal laid the groundwork for this ambitious project, which promises to establish a more efficient and cost-effective trade route linking South Asia with Central Asia and Russia.
