Draft of sea-oriented development plan prepared by gov’t: VP
First Vice President Mohammadreza Aref said on Monday that the draft of Iran’s sea-oriented development plan has been prepared by the government.
The new government is determined to formulate and implement additional and more comprehensive plans in the field of sea-oriented development,” IRNA reported.
In a message on the World Maritime Day, the vice president also congratulated the day to members of the International Maritime Organization (IMO).
“Those countries that have access to sea have the potential to become powerful in various regional and global arenas, as well as enjoying the capacity to develop faster. Having access to sea is a great opportunity for progress and maintaining national interests,” Aref wrote in his message.
He has also called on the Iranian authorities in charge of the country’s maritime sector to strengthen logistics and corridor routes, facilitate entering new markets, use smart technologies, strengthen employment, create large and small-scale production units in ports and coastal areas, modernize the commercial fleet and port equipment as well as the railway and road lines.
Aref also called for concentration on efficient workforces for sea-oriented development while preserving and safeguarding the marine environment in compliance with international regulations and conventions.
He also emphasized the necessity for the country’s scholars and think-tanks to help the government realize its plans for developing the maritime sector.
The geopolitical features of Iran are considered one of the most important indicators of its empowerment, including turning the country into a regional magnet for commerce and investment.
The ancient region of Makran located in the southeast of the Iranian plateau and on the northern shores of the Sea of Oman has been in the crosshairs of the enemies which coveted its resources or tried to choke off Iran’s access to its wealth throughout history.
Since 2008, when Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei underlined the significance of Makran, the development of the strategic region has been put on the frontline of Iran’s drive to reorient its economy.
The general policies of sea-based development call for a whole-of-government approach to develop Iran’s coasts, especially Makran beyond the strategic port of Chabahar.
The geopolitical, geostrategic and geoeconomic advantages of Makran hosting a comprehensive sea, road, rail and air transportation network along oil and gas transmission lines would enormously fortify Iran and upgrade its status.