Azernews.Az

Iranian government has decided to expand its relations with the Caspian Sea states, Iran's Vice President Mohammad Reza Rahimi has said, ISNA news agency reported.

"Expanding trade with countries of the Caspian Sea is of great importance," Rahimi said. "Because of this, the government of Iran has taken a special decision to boost the trade with these countries."

Rahimi made the remarks at the inauguration of the Astara port on Tuesday.

The vice president also said that the Iranian government supports private investments in the Astara port.

Astara Port, located in Iran's northern Gilan Province, is Iran's first private port. The Iranian Shipping Company and KAVEH Company has constructed the port.

The port aims to enhance commercial transactions with the Caspian Sea states, as well as Asian, African, and European countries.

Astara port's total loading and unloading capacity stands at 3.5 million tons. A dock with 1.5 million tons of capacity will be used for loading and unloading fuels.

The port is also equipped with a dry dock and breakwater.

In August 2012, managing director of the Ports and Maritime Organisation of Iran, Ataollah Sadr said Iran has 14 ports, four of which including Astara port are located on the Caspian shore.

The Iranian Shipping Company and KAVEH Company signed a contract in 2009 to build a new port on the Caspian Sea in the town of Astara bordering Azerbaijan.

KAVEH leased the port of Astara for 40 years to turn the fishing port into a trading centre.