Singapore eyes Chabahar Port as Asian trade & transit corridor
PORTS & SHIPPING

Singapore eyes Chabahar Port as Asian trade & transit corridor

Singapore is considering leveraging the Chabahar Port in Iran, managed by India, to establish a trade and transit corridor between Southeast Asia and Central Asia, aiming to access the resource-rich Eurasia. This move highlights Singapore's interest in accessing the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) market through the Chabahar port, which serves as a pivotal link between Southeast Asia and Central Asia. The President of Kazakhstan's recent visit to Singapore further underscored discussions on enhancing trade and transit corridors, emphasising the strategic importance of Chabahar in facilitating connectivity between the regions.

Singapore's pursuit of this corridor aligns with its existing free trade agreement (FTA) with the EAEU, signed in 2019. Notably, Vietnam has also engaged in an FTA with the EAEU, signalling growing economic ties in the region. The recent agreement between the EAEU and Singapore focuses on enhancing trade in services and investments, aiming to streamline regulatory processes and reduce barriers.

The Chabahar port, managed by India since 2018, serves as a vital connectivity link for India to Afghanistan, Central Asia, and the wider Eurasian region. India's investment plans for the port, including equipping it with about $120 million and offering a rupee credit window of $250 million for infrastructure projects, underscore its strategic importance.

The potential linking of Chabahar with the International North South Transport Corridor (INSTC), which connects India with Russia via Iran, further enhances its significance for regional trade and connectivity. Countries like Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan are keen to utilise Chabahar to access the Indian Ocean Region and tap into the Indian market, with Kazakhstan developing a trans-Caspian international transport route to connect Asia with the EU.

In light of evolving geopolitical dynamics and the importance of secure and reliable supply chains, Kazakhstan's significant potential in supplying rare earth metals presents an opportunity for India. Singapore's expertise in finance and technology complements Kazakhstan's natural resources and developing infrastructure, fostering cooperation between the two countries.

Singapore's robust presence in Kazakhstan, with over 140 companies and investments exceeding $1.7 billion, reflects its commitment to enhancing economic ties in the region. This collaborative approach between Singapore and Kazakhstan can enhance transport efficiency and facilitate trade, contributing to the broader economic development of Asia. (ET Infra)

Singapore is considering leveraging the Chabahar Port in Iran, managed by India, to establish a trade and transit corridor between Southeast Asia and Central Asia, aiming to access the resource-rich Eurasia. This move highlights Singapore's interest in accessing the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) market through the Chabahar port, which serves as a pivotal link between Southeast Asia and Central Asia. The President of Kazakhstan's recent visit to Singapore further underscored discussions on enhancing trade and transit corridors, emphasising the strategic importance of Chabahar in facilitating connectivity between the regions. Singapore's pursuit of this corridor aligns with its existing free trade agreement (FTA) with the EAEU, signed in 2019. Notably, Vietnam has also engaged in an FTA with the EAEU, signalling growing economic ties in the region. The recent agreement between the EAEU and Singapore focuses on enhancing trade in services and investments, aiming to streamline regulatory processes and reduce barriers. The Chabahar port, managed by India since 2018, serves as a vital connectivity link for India to Afghanistan, Central Asia, and the wider Eurasian region. India's investment plans for the port, including equipping it with about $120 million and offering a rupee credit window of $250 million for infrastructure projects, underscore its strategic importance. The potential linking of Chabahar with the International North South Transport Corridor (INSTC), which connects India with Russia via Iran, further enhances its significance for regional trade and connectivity. Countries like Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan are keen to utilise Chabahar to access the Indian Ocean Region and tap into the Indian market, with Kazakhstan developing a trans-Caspian international transport route to connect Asia with the EU. In light of evolving geopolitical dynamics and the importance of secure and reliable supply chains, Kazakhstan's significant potential in supplying rare earth metals presents an opportunity for India. Singapore's expertise in finance and technology complements Kazakhstan's natural resources and developing infrastructure, fostering cooperation between the two countries. Singapore's robust presence in Kazakhstan, with over 140 companies and investments exceeding $1.7 billion, reflects its commitment to enhancing economic ties in the region. This collaborative approach between Singapore and Kazakhstan can enhance transport efficiency and facilitate trade, contributing to the broader economic development of Asia. (ET Infra)

Next Story
Infrastructure Transport

Metro Line 2B Phase 1 to Boost Realty in Mumbai’s Eastern Suburbs

Mumbai’s real estate sector is set for a major boost as Phase 1 of Metro Line 2B, between Mandale and Diamond Garden, nears completion. The Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) has confirmed that mandatory rectifications are done, and inspections by the Commissioner of Metro Railway Safety (CMRS) have been carried out. The 5.39-km stretch with five stations forms part of the larger DN Nagar–Mandale corridor, designed to ease congestion and improve east–west connectivity. Passenger operations are expected by December 2025, with the full line slated for 2027. ..

Next Story
Resources

WattPower wins Best Inverter award at Global Solar Expo 2025

WattPower, a leading renewable energy solutions provider, has won the award for “Best Inverter in the Utility Segment” at the Global Solar Expo 2025. The recognition underscores the company’s commitment to delivering reliable, high-performance and future-ready solar solutions for large-scale projects. At the forefront of utility-scale solar, WattPower manufactures advanced string inverters that directly feed power into the Indian grid. With robust technology, high-quality components and comprehensive product lifecycle support, its solutions stand among the most sophisticated in the ..

Next Story
Real Estate

Awfis delivers 67,000 sq. ft. innovation hub for eBay in Bengaluru

Awfis Space Solutions, India’s largest flexible workspace provider and the first publicly listed workspace solutions platform, has partnered with eBay to establish a 67,000 sq. ft. innovation hub at Embassy Tech Village, Bengaluru. The mandate covers design, build and management of the new office, which will act as a strategic hub supporting diverse functions and accelerating eBay’s AI-first commerce strategy. The centre will focus on artificial intelligence, engineering, product development and applied research, strengthening eBay’s growth in India. Embassy Tech Village, North Beng..

Advertisement

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Get daily newsletters around different themes from Construction world.

STAY CONNECTED

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

Talk to us?