The Astrakhan Governor has proposed extending the Volga-Caspian Sea Canal

The development of port and maritime infrastructure in the interests of the functioning of the North-South international transport corridor, an important logistics hub of which is the Astrakhan Region, was discussed in the region. The meeting was attended by Governor Igor Babushkin and Nikolai Patrushev, Chairman of the Maritime Board of the Russian Federation and Assistant to the President of Russia.

The meeting focused on the modernization of the infrastructure of the Olya and Astrakhan seaports, including the construction of new terminal complexes. To speed up the delivery process, increase cargo traffic along the Caspian Sea shipping routes, and develop multimodal transportation, it was proposed to integrate the trans-Caspian route with inland waterways. Special attention was given to the topics of digitalization of customs and logistics procedures, elimination of limiting sections on rivers, and construction of ships.

According to Nikolai Patrushev, in the current geopolitical environment, the corridor is an alternative to the sea routes currently controlled by Western countries. The Northern Sea Route can provide Russia with connectivity to friendly countries and enhance the stability of global trade.

Additionally, increasing the transit potential of the Northern Sea Route will expand trade and economic ties with countries in Southeast Asia and East Africa. These regions are rapidly developing their markets and have a need for Russian goods and raw materials.