TEHRAN (Dispatches) – Head of the Commission for Trade Development and Non-Oil Export Development of Iran Chamber of Cooperatives Babak Afghahi said on Saturday that the country plans to launch direct shipping lines to South Africa and Latin American countries in upcoming future.
Afghahi announced plans for the launch of direct shipping lines to South Africa, and Latin American countries in and aim to help develop trade with the countries.
The Iranian official added that establishment of the shipping lines from the southern ports of Iran were on the agenda for destinations at the ports of South Africa and leaving for Latin American states, Brazil, in particular.
"The plan for launching the shipping lines will be worked out with the support of the Islamic Republic of Iran Shipping Lines (IRISL),” Afghahi said, according to IRNA.
He also gave an upbeat report about growth of Iranian trade with South Africa and the Latin American states.
Iran to Establish Special
Shipping Line to Syria

On Saturday, Captain Abdullah Hassoumi said the Islamic Republic of Iran seeks to launch a regular shipping line from Bandar Abbas to the Syrian port of Latakia.
Hassoumi said that the Islamic Republic is planning to establish a special shipping line to export Iranian merchandise to the Syrian port of Latakia.
He went on to say that the move aims at supporting the country’s export, adding that the first cargo will be sent on March 10.
According to Hassoumi, the Islamic Republic of Iran shipping line organization seeks to strengthen Iran’s export during the sanctions.
"If the shipping line is supported by business owners, it will be possible to transport cargo up to twice a month,” he added.