Leader outlines Iran’s maritime development policies
The Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei has announced the general policies of sea-oriented development to the heads of the three branches of government (Legislature, Executive and Judiciary) and the head of the Expediency Council for implementing them.
According to this communique, the executive branch is obligated to present a comprehensive plan to implement these policies including submitting bills, approving regulations and necessary executive measures within a six-month timeframe, with the assistance of the Iranian Parliament, the Judiciary, and relevant organizations.
The announcement is made in the implementation of Article 110 of the Constitution of Iran, and after consultation with the Expediency Council.
Iran has emerged as a significant player in the maritime industry, not only in the Middle East but on the global stage.
Established in 1967, Iranian National Shipping Lines [later changed to the Islamic Republic of Iran Shipping Lines (IRISL)] has achieved remarkable milestones over the years, solidifying its position as one of Iran’s leading state-run enterprises and a prominent shipping company worldwide.
With its excellent geographical location, situated between two seas, and possessing thousands of kilometers of coastline, islands, and abundant resources, Iran is required to take effective action in the coastal areas, offshore regions, seas, and oceans as a focal point for the country’s development to secure a rightful regional and global position in utilizing the seas. Accordingly, the general policies of sea-based development have been determined, some of which include:
Achieving a rightful global position and a leading regional rank through coherent maritime policy, national task allocation, and efficient maritime management;
Increasing the economic growth rate in the maritime sector to at least double the country’s overall economic growth rate over ten years by developing maritime economic activities and establishing driving maritime development hubs on the coasts, islands, and offshore areas;
Formulating a comprehensive plan for maritime-based development with the zoning of seas, coasts, and offshore regions;
Expanding domestic and foreign investment by creating the necessary software and hardware infrastructure;
Optimizing the utilization of marine capacities, resources, and ecosystems while preventing environmental degradation, especially by other countries;
Developing sea-based initiatives with the enhancement of human resources and efficient management while establishing a scientific foundation;
Leveraging maritime capacities and achieving a prominent presence in international transit routes to secure regional leadership positions through economic, commercial, and investment cooperation in large-scale, knowledge-based infrastructure, production, and service projects with neighboring and other countries;
Increasing the country’s share in maritime transportation and transit by establishing and reinforcing a multimodal transportation network;
And supporting local and indigenous investors in development projects and assisting local economic actors in various sectors, including fishing, agriculture, industry, and tourism.