Iran, Belarus ink customs deal

By Azernews

By Kamila Aliyeva

Belarus and Iran have signed a set of documents on cooperation, including a protocol on exchanging preliminary information about goods moving between the two countries.

The two will collaborate in the field of electronic exchange of information and preparation of electronic requests, IRNA news agency reported.

After the signing ceremony, Chairman of the Belarusian State Customs Committee Yuri Senko told the media that the document will enable the two countries to reduce customs formalities.

He noted that electronic exchange of information and electronic goods inspection requests help speed up the customs process.

Senko added that the unification of tariffs for Iranian goods, as well as for CIS countries, is on the agenda.

For his part, Head of Iran's Customs Administration Masoud Karbasian noted that Iran already has such agreements with Armenia, Azerbaijan, Russia, Afghanistan, China, and South Korea.

He further stated that the agreement with Belarus in the customs sphere is considered to be the beginning of the implementation of the international North-South Transport Corridor.

The International North-South Transport Corridor is meant to connect Northern Europe with Southeast Asia. It will serve as a link connecting the railways of Azerbaijan, Iran and Russia.

The corridor is planned to transport 6 million tons of cargo per year at the initial stage and 15-20 million tons of cargo in the future.