Astrakhan authorities are developing relations with Turkmenistan in the fields of transport and logistics, Deputy Chairman of the Government of the Astrakhan region Denis Afanasyev said, according to AstoVolga news agency.
“The Government of the Astrakhan region is negotiating with the Agency of Transport and Communications of Turkmenistan to open a logistics center of Turkmenistan in our region. We agreed that the center will be located in the port special economic zone,” Afanasyev said during a meeting of the regional government.
He clarified that a draft memorandum on the implementation of this project has been sent to the Turkmen side. Relevant negotiations are underway with the Agency “Turkmen Sea and River Routes”.
According to him, Astrakhan shipbuilders confirm their readiness to build bulk carriers, container ships, ferries and other types of vessels for Turkmenistan. The possibility of industrial cooperation with the Turkmen shipyard “Balkan” is being worked out, Afanasyev noted.
The location of the logistics center in the SEZ will have advantages. Residents of the port SEZ are not subject to VAT and enjoy preferential rates for income taxes, property taxes, as well as land and transport taxes. There is also a free customs zone regime on the territory of the port SEZ.
Moreover, the project will contribute to the implementation of Turkmenistan’s plans to realize the transport and logistics potential of routes passing via the Caspian Sea. ///nCa, 27 June 2022