Iran, Pakistan to Serve as Key Transit Route for China–Europe Trade Corridor

TEHRAN (Iran News) Speaking at the groundbreaking ceremony for the six-lane expansion of the Saveh–Salafchegan Expressway, a project valued at 120 trillion rials (12 hemats), the minister emphasized the growing importance of Iran’s transportation diplomacy and regional connectivity.

Highlighting the national and international importance of the new 65-kilometer highway segment, Sadegh said the project is not limited to the provinces of Qom and Markazi. “This is not just a regional development project; it is a national and international corridor that will strengthen Iran’s strategic transport links,” she explained.

She pointed out that the administration’s economic diplomacy, spearheaded by President Masoud Pezeshkian, places special emphasis on expanding trade with neighboring countries, with the transport sector playing a central role. “In recent weeks, we held high-level meetings in Azerbaijan and Pakistan to discuss ways of deepening transportation and trade cooperation,” she added.

According to Sadegh, a trilateral meeting between Iran, Russia, and Azerbaijan was recently held in Baku, where important agreements were reached. “We reached consensus on cargo insurance and freight guarantees for the missing link of the Rasht–Astara railway, and an executive contract between Iran and Russia will soon be signed,” she said. “This will accelerate the completion of the Rasht–Astara rail segment, a vital piece of the International North–South Transport Corridor.”

Turning to her visit to Pakistan for a ministerial summit of neighboring transport ministers, Sadegh revealed that the meeting produced three key outcomes. Among them, the most significant was the decision for Iran to serve as a gateway for trade between Eurasia, the Caucasus, and Russia via Azerbaijan. At the same time, Pakistan will function as an intermediary between China and Iran, ensuring that Chinese goods can be transported efficiently to Europe through this emerging corridor.

“The common vision between Iran and Pakistan,” she said, “is to create a seamless east-west trade route connecting China’s industrial centers to European markets via Iran’s rail and highway networks.”

Minister Sadegh reaffirmed that expanding Iran’s expressway and rail networks is central to boosting trade with regional partners. “We are grateful that despite sanctions and external constraints, our determination for progress remains unwavering. Challenges have only strengthened our unity and collective will,” she remarked.

She emphasized that infrastructure expansion — particularly highways and railroads — will help Iran realize its strategic goal of becoming a transit hub connecting Asia to Europe.

Addressing the ongoing national housing program, Sadegh criticized previous administrations for making unrealistic promises to citizens. “In the past, people were promised housing units without the availability of land, facilities, or basic infrastructure such as water and electricity,” she said. “There were even lotteries for housing units that didn’t have land or construction permits.”

She assured that the current government is taking a practical, evidence-based approach, ensuring that all land allocated for housing projects is properly prepared before delivery. “We will not hand over unprepared land. Every project we promise will be backed by real, operational readiness,” she stressed.