Tehran, February 7, 2024 (MRUD NEWS)—Ali Akbar Safaei, Deputy Minister of Roads and Urban Development and the managing director of Iran's Ports and Maritime Organization (PMO) informed of the maritime achievements of Islamic Republic of Iran at the dawn of 45th anniversary of Islamic Revolution in Iran.
The general policies of sea-based development are a turning point in Iran's maritime sector and all stakeholders including the government, private sector, academicians, governors of coastal provinces, and maritime associations have been all involved in this process, Safaei said.
Considering the international scale of maritime activities, it should serve international maritime transport for development of the sea trade. Referring to the performance, Safaei said there was 195,000,000 tons trade in 2023 which shows 8 percent growth compared to 2022.
Also, development of sustainable sea-based economy is on agenda to promote economy of coastal areas and increase employment. In this sense, the PMO is opening up space for cooperation of the private sector for attracting investments. By now more than 500,000 billion IRR contracts with the private sector are signed while many container terminals, bulk freights, etc. are put into operation since the 13th Government came to office, according to the head of PMO.
Regarding the business environment in the marine sector, the number of activities for companies has increased from 12 categories to 31 and and license issuance is facilitated which further develop maritime activities, he added.
The development of first phase of Chabahar Port was a priority during the past 15 years as part of the development of Makran coasts, the Deputy Minister of Roads and Urban Development stated.
Upon the decree of Iran Minister of Roads and Urban Development, Mehrdad Bazrpash, the second phase of Chabahar port is to be launched, and in this regard, negotiations and agreements have been reached with private sector and it will be advanced through a consortium with the presence of the domestic and international private sectors, Safaei informed.
Director General of Ports and Maritime Organization pointed out that the purchase of port equipment in Chabahar Port is underway. Further the contract with the Indian partner has been finished and it is waiting to be renewed.
Chabahar port provdes direct services, and ships come directly from China and India to Chabahar, and goods are transferred to small ports, Safaei continued.
Regarding the development of small ports, Safaei said: "Khamir and Sirik Ports have been launched. Arvand Kenar Port has also been launched and handed over".