Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — Uzbekistan has officially submitted an application to join the international transport coalition “North–South,” announced Vitaly Savelyev, Deputy Chairman of the Government of the Russian Federation and Special Presidential Representative for the Development of the Transport Corridor, during the KazanForum 2025.

According to Savelyev, this step opens new logistical opportunities for Uzbekistan and the region as a whole, strengthening the corridor’s position as a vital transport artery connecting the countries involved, the forum’s press service reports.

Savelyev emphasized that just last year, 24 million tons of cargo were transported along the “North–South” route. The western branch of the corridor is developing especially actively — in particular, joint construction with Iran continues on the 162-kilometer section between Rasht and Astara.

Currently, cargo transport within the corridor is carried out using all types of transport: approximately 10 million tons were delivered by rail, 6 million tons by road, and another 8 million tons via the trans-Caspian route. Savelyev noted that all components of the transport system operate in close coordination.

“The ‘North–South’ corridor is a strategically significant project that remains a priority for the leadership of Russia and all participating countries. We are confident that upon completion of the entire infrastructure, this route will become a full-fledged alternative to the Suez Canal,” he stated.