*Iranian Minister of Roads and Urban Development Graces the Inauguration of the 8th New Silk Road International Transport Business Forum in Kazakhstan*
The inaugural ceremony of the "8th New Silk Road International Transpoxrt Business Forum" convened this morning in Astana, Kazakhstan.
The inaugural ceremony of the "8th New Silk Road International Transpoxrt Business Forum" convened this morning in Astana, Kazakhstan. The prestigious event was attended by H.E. Farzaneh Sadegh, the Islamic Republic of Iran’s Minister of Roads and Urban Development, alongside transport ministers from the Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO) member states and prominent representatives from global transit and logistics enterprises.
According to the Ministry of Roads and Urban Development, the 8th New Silk Road International Transport and Logistics Business Forum is being held from October 14 to 16, 2026, under the auspices of Kazakhstan Transport Week.
Running concurrently with the 29th International Transport and Logistics Exhibition, this premier forum serves as a nexus for government dignitaries, international organizations, leading logistics corporations, and distinguished industry experts.
The core agenda of this high-level summit encompasses the strategic development of international transport corridors, including the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route (Middle Corridor), the Trans-Afghan Corridor, and the International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC). Discussions also prioritize multimodal transportation, the eradication of cross-border logistical bottlenecks, and the comprehensive digitalization of global supply chains.
The summit’s principal strategic session is aptly titled, "The Digital Silk Road: Artificial Intelligence and Digital Technologies in Logistics," reflecting the industry's forward-looking trajectory.
This essential event holds profound significance for exploring and maximizing collaborative synergies between Iran and Kazakhstan. Key areas of focus include facilitating freight transit, integrating rail and road networks, expanding regional transit routes, and significantly augmenting bilateral commercial trade flows.
It is noteworthy that Minister Farzaneh Sadegh, heading a high-level delegation, arrived in Kazakhstan last evening. Her strategic visit is aimed at broadening bilateral engagements, fortifying cooperation across rail, road, air, and maritime sectors, conducting high-level consultations with Kazakh state officials, and actively participating in the 14th Meeting of ECO Transport Ministers.
