Pezeshkian accentuates heed to urban development standards in Makoran
President Masoud Pezeshkian underscored the importance of adhering to urban development standards in the development of the Makoran region and southern coasts.
Speaking at a meeting on maritime-based development on Sunday, he called for all agencies active in these areas to focus on the development vision for the region, stating that development plans must be carefully reviewed and implemented based on thorough documentation.
Without a clear vision and an institution to oversee the overall development of the southern coasts, the development process cannot be effectively managed, the president said.
Pezeshkian highlighted the need to upgrade and standardize infrastructure for maritime-based development.
He urged all ministries and organizations developing infrastructure in the southern coastal cities to comply with the highest environmental and urban development standards.
The president specifically addressed road infrastructure, directing the Ministry of Roads and Urban Development to ensure that land acquisition for rail corridors and highways in the south is carried out in a way that allows for the widest possible roads. This, he said, would prevent the need for future land reacquisition for highway expansion.
Pezeshkian also stressed the importance of developing rail transport in the region, noting that the transfer of many products should be conducted by train. He called for the standardization and strengthening of rail infrastructure in southern ports.
Regarding the construction of factories and power plants in Makoran, the president stated that potentially polluting facilities must be built at an appropriate distance from cities to avoid future urban pollution and emphasized the need to adhere to these standards now to prevent problems later.
On the topic of population settlement in southern cities, Pezeshkian suggested that institutions such as the armed forces, which have maritime missions, could relocate their bases and personnel to the south.
During the meeting, the Navy chief presented a report on maritime-based development, including a proposal to issue fuel bunkering licenses for ships.
The president ordered the Navy to review and issue the necessary permits, adding that one way to boost economic development in southern ports is to issue licenses for mini-refineries.
He described mini-refineries as a suitable alternative to combat fuel smuggling, sanctions, and to support the local economy, calling for an operational plan to be prepared.
Proposals for developing maritime tourism, including tours to Antarctica, were also discussed, with Pezeshkian instructing that these proposals be carefully reviewed and presented at the next meeting for appropriate decision-making.
The meeting was attended by Mohsen Haji-Mirzaei, the president’s chief of staff, Hamid Pourmohammadi, the head of the Plan and Budget Organization, Abdolnaser Hemmati, the minister of economic affairs and finance, Mohammad Atabak, the minister of industry, mine and trade, Oil Minister Mohsen Paknejad, Energy Minister Abbas Aliabadi, Ahmad Meydari , the minister of labor, Gholamreza Nouri-Qezeljeh, the agriculture minister, as well as commanders of the Army and IRGC Navy, who shared their views on the matters discussed.