Russia to expand exports of automobiles, railway equipment to Turkmenistan, expects freight traffic to grow in Caspian - Mishustin
ASHGABAT. Jan 20 (Interfax) - Russia and Turkmenistan could increase supplies of automobiles and railway equipment, boost cargo traffic at ports on the Caspian Sea and build a highway along the eastern coast of the Caspian as part of the expansion of cooperation in the transport sector, Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin said at a Russian-Turkmen business forum on Thursday.
"We attach particular importance to the establishment of international transport routes, and here our position coincides completely with the approaches of our Turkmen colleagues. We are working together on developing the North-South international transport corridor, approaching full throughput capacity. This will open up a broad field of opportunities for businesses related to construction of infrastructure, service and trade and logistics centers, and modernization of seaports," Mishustin said at the plenary session of the forum.
He said one of the promising joint projects between Russia and Turkmenistan being discussed at the moment is the construction of a highway along the eastern coast of the Caspian Sea.
"It is necessary to increase cargo traffic at Russian and Turkmen ports on the Caspian, expand supplies of railway locomotives, freight and passenger cars," Mishustin said. Russia has delivered seven diesel locomotives for Turkmenistan's national railway operator, he said.
New deliveries of automobiles are also planned. "Our trucks, foremost Kamaz , are very popular here. Russian automakers are now working out a portfolio of new orders for this year with Turkmen partners," Mishustin said.
Russia and Turkmenistan are also considering cooperation in shipbuilding based at the shipyards of both countries. "There is also great potential in the area of shipbuilding cooperation, which should be built on a mutually beneficial foundation using the construction facilities of our two countries," Mishustin said.
The visible trade turnover between Russia and Turkmenistan currently totals about $1 billion, he said.
"Without a doubt, the potential for economic cooperation is far greater. We see that there are good opportunities for deepening collaboration, expanding the areas of cooperation. And, of course, we will intensify joint work for this," Mishustin said, adding that Turkmen entrepreneurs could fill some of the niches on the Russian market that have been vacated by foreign companies.
In order to facilitate cooperation, Russia is prepared to work with the Turkmen authorities to consider easing the visa regime for representatives of the business community and simplifying customs, veterinary and phytosanitary control, Mishustin said.
Economic cooperation with Turkmenistan could involve "not only increasing the flow of goods, but also the creation of new joint production facilities, and construction of modern industrial, energy and transport facilities," Mishustin said.