Presidential envoy calls for value-added processing with neighbors
Backup dry ports planned as maritime expansion continues
The president's envoy for maritime development urged prioritizing value-added processing over raw material exports with neighboring countries.
The special representative of the president for coordinating the implementation of General Maritime-Oriented Development and Makoran Policies stated, "We must utilize the capacity of neighboring countries to supply feedstock, process them domestically, and turn them into added value," IRNA reported.
At a meeting of the Planning and Development Council of Khorasan Razavi Province, Ali Abdolalizadeh stated that on the path of maritime-oriented development, while the primary focus has been on the Persian Gulf, the Oman Sea, and the Caspian Sea, establishing backup dry ports is also on the agenda.
"The establishment of backup dry ports for Shahid Rajaei Port (in the south) began last year, and following the explosion incident (resulting in casualties in April), more focus has been placed on it. It is hoped that the transfer of cargo from Shahid Rajaei Port to the dry ports will commence soon."
The special representative of the president, emphasizing the creation of industrial infrastructure in border areas, stated that Khorasan Razavi has the capacity to become a "regional hub for peace and friendship."
"The economy is only one of the tools of peace; culture and civilization can also be complementary tools on this path," he noted.
Abdolalizadeh explained the difference between a dry port and a logistics village, stating, "In a dry port, 'cargo' is the main focus, while in a logistics village, 'transportation' is central."
He continued, "A dry port deals directly with goods and trade flow. It has the capacity to import raw materials without administrative formalities and also export final products without bureaucracy." The official, referring to the Bandar Abbas-Sarakhs railway project, stated, "This project is nearing completion and is hoped to be finalized by the end of the current year or the first quarter of next year."
"Khorasan Razavi, especially Shahid Motahari Station in Mashhad, has significant capacity and can become an effective transit hub for the entire region. This is because Central Asian countries and Afghanistan have the shortest route to access international waters through Iran and Chabahar Port," Abdolalizadeh added. He further added, "Even if domestic investors are not found for the Sarakhs-Bandar Abbas railway line, the capacity of regional investors can be utilized."
The special representative of the president stated, "Sarakhs and Shahid Motahari Station can also become a security hub because economic interactions inherently create security. From this perspective, regional issues, such as the water issue and Iran's water rights from Afghanistan, should also be resolved from an economic perspective, not a military one."
10-million-ton capacity of dry port in Mashhad
The representative stated, "The capacity of Shahid Motahari Railway Station in Mashhad for exports and imports is up to 10 million tons, which is considered a highly promising capability."
Abdolalizadeh expressed hope that through cooperation with the railway and precise planning, the 10-million-ton transit volume at Shahid Motahari Station could be increased, and the North-South Corridor exports of our country could practically commence from this point.
"The Shahid Motahari Dry Port and Logistics Village area in Mashhad, which holds a very special position within the country's North-South Corridor complex, can be considered one of the most important points of this corridor. Fortunately, good equipment is ready and operational here, and significant activity is observed in the region," he said.
"Cargo is transferred from Sarakhs to Shahid Motahari Station in Mashhad and then to Shahid Rajaei Port within 72 hours. This transfer time is very acceptable and promising because special consideration can be given to this point in cargo transit planning. Action must be taken on this route as soon as possible," Abdolalizadeh added.