The 3rd Astrakhan International Forum “International Transport Corridor (ITC) North–South – New Horizons” was held in Astrakhan on 26–28 November 2025.

Alexey A. Zamkovoy, Deputy General Director of the Institute for Transport Economics and Development (IEDT), took part in the forum events and delivered a report during the session “Challenges and prospects for the development of the North–South ITC – political, economic, organisational, sanction-related and military aspects.”

Participants of the session discussed Russia’s role in stabilising logistics in the region and Greater Eurasia, the development of foreign economic relations with regional partners, existing sanctions-related restrictions and possible ways to address key challenges.

In his report “Prospects for the development of the railway infrastructure of the North–South ITC to support Russia’s foreign trade cargo transportation,” Alexey Zamkovoy highlighted the relevance of developing international transport corridors in the current geopolitical environment, and also:

discussed the transformation of the geographical structure of Russia’s exports;

assessed the freight base of the North–South ITC;

reviewed the railway infrastructure development measures required to support potential freight volumes.

The forum also addressed issues related to demand for Russian goods within the North–South ITC area, the implementation of new international projects involving Russian regions, financial schemes for cross-border payments, and cargo insurance mechanisms.

Media coverage of IEDT’s participation in this event appeared in Kaspy Today, SNG Today, SNG.FM.