Chabahar on Makoran ...
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Chabahar has several ports and piers for trade, as well as fertile land suitable for agriculture and habitation. While relocating the capital to this region is not yet prominently on the agenda, and I believe the President’s comments about relocating the capital need to be unpacked for the public.
The Makoran coast and Chabahar have the potential to step up as Iran’s economic nerve center rather than its political capital. Relocating the political capital is an uphill task. Moving the economic capital would involve shifting several economic ministries, including the Ministry of Economy and Finance, the Ministry of Industry, Mine and Trade, and the Customs Administration, to this region. Such a process will not break the bank or take a long time and it is feasible to relocate these institutions within a reasonable timeframe. Simultaneously, the groundwork can be laid for establishing automobile, steel and iron ore industries in the area. Therefore, economic, commercial and industrial hubs will follow suit and Iran can meet its industrial and commercial needs from this strategic location.
To transform Chabahar into Iran’s economic powerhouse, completing key infrastructure projects in the region is essential, including hospitals, highways and an international airport. Tapping into the economic and commercial potential of Chabahar and the Makoran coast could help the country turn the tide in terms of economic growth and curb inflation rates. This requires cutting down on bureaucratic red tape in trade, capital investment and the establishment of industries and businesses in the region, while encouraging investment in infrastructure and development projects. In doing so, Chabahar could not only become a catalyst for the country’s development but also serve as a launchpad for exporting Iranian goods—and even products from various regional countries—to global markets. Harnessing the vast potential of the Makoran coast benefits the entire nation.
President Pezeshkian, recognizing this, has made it a point to visit the province several times during his brief tenure, demonstrating his commitment to the holistic development of Sistan and Baluchestan.