Kazakhstan and Iran have formalized a Build-Operate-Transfer (BOT) agreement for the construction of a Kazakh transport and logistics terminal at Shahid Rajaee Port, Iran’s largest commercial port. The agreement marks a step toward expanding transport cooperation between the two countries while reinforcing regional trade connectivity. The signing ceremony took place at Iran’s Ports and Maritime Organization, according to Kazakhstan’s Ministry of Trade and Integration.
Representing Kazakhstan at the signing was Aman Malgazhdarov, Director General of the QazExportPromotion Corporate Fund under QazTrade, the Trade Policy Development Center of the Ministry of Trade and Integration. Iran was represented by Hossein Abbas Nejad, head of the Ports and Maritime Organization of Hormozgan Province and chief of the Shahid Rajaee Port Special Economic Zone.
As part of the agreement, Kazakhstan has received a designated land plot at Bandar Abbas for the development of the transport and logistics terminal.
Long-Term BOT Project to Strengthen Regional Trade Routes
The Build-Operate-Transfer (BOT) agreement has been structured for a total period of 27 years, consisting of a two-year construction phase followed by 25 years of operational activity. Commercial operations at the facility are scheduled to commence during the third year of the project.
According to the Ministry of Trade and Integration, the initiative is intended to broaden transport and logistics cooperation between Kazakhstan and Iran while improving Kazakhstan’s access to international transport corridors. The ministry stated that the terminal will contribute to the continued development of the International North-South Transport Corridor by expanding transit capacity and enhancing the reliability of logistics routes connecting Central Asia with international markets.
The project is also expected to facilitate Kazakhstan’s exports by providing more direct access to destinations in the Persian Gulf, South Asia, Southeast Asia, and East Africa through Shahid Rajaee Port, Iran’s largest port.
In addition, the ministry noted that the development forms part of Kazakhstan’s wider strategy to diversify transport routes and strengthen export logistics infrastructure through international partnerships.
