On November 22, 2024, a plenary session was held in St. Petersburg as part of the autumn session of the 6th Economic Congress of the International Municipal Forum of BRICS. The session focused on the theme "Interregional and Intermunicipal Cooperation as a Key Factor for the Economic Development of BRICS Countries." At the core of the discussions was the development of the International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC), which connects Russia with the Caspian region, the Middle East, and South Asia. Particular attention was given to modernizing port infrastructure and renewing the transport fleet. The event was organized by World Service, a company actively working to advance the logistics and shipbuilding industries.
During the session, a project was presented to create a shipbuilding and ship repair cluster in the city of Lagan, Republic of Kalmykia. This significant strategic initiative, developed with the support of the Business Council of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), aims to modernize the transport fleet and build state-of-the-art port infrastructure. The project includes constructing an ice-free shipyard, which will significantly increase cargo traffic along the Trans-Caspian route and reduce logistics costs. Additionally, the project is expected to create hundreds of new jobs and attract substantial investments to the region.
The Competence Center for Shipbuilding and Ship Repair in the SCO+ Area, based in St. Petersburg, plays a key role in the implementation of this project. The center coordinates the activities of experts, research institutions, and industrial enterprises to introduce innovative solutions and train highly qualified specialists. Participants emphasized that the center's work, in collaboration with World Service and SCO initiatives, strengthens international partnerships, drives regional economic development, and supports Russia's integration into global logistics networks.