TEHRAN (Iran News) – In a gathering to mark Chabahar Port which was held in Mumbai, India, Iran and India explored ways to broaden marine trade exchanges via Chabahar Port.
India’s Ministry of Port, Shipping and Waterways (MoPSW) in association with India Ports Global observed ‘Chabahar Day’ to mark the Chabahar – Link to INSTC – Connecting Central Asian Markets in Mumbai today. INSTC (International North-South Transport Corridor) is India’s vision and initiative to reduce the time taken for EXIM shipments to reach Russia, Europe, and enter the central Asian markets. The Chabahar Port located in Iran is the commercial transit center for the region and especially Central Asia.
Deputy Head on Port and economic affairs of Marine and Ports Organization of Sistan and Baluchestan Mr. Hossein Shahdadi, Advisor to Minister and Head of the Center for International Affairs of Iran’s Ministry of Road and Urban Development Mr. Masoud Ostad Hosein, Jalil Eslami, Deputy of Port and Economic Affairs of Ports and Marine Organization Mr. Jalil Eslami and some of managers of the private sector of port operation sector of the country were Iranian representatives in the event.
Touching upon the event, Mr. Shahdadi said that introduction of Chabahar and exploring ways for cooperation via Chabahar Port as well as removing hurdles in way of goods transit for and from India to other countries via this port are the main goals of this event.
He added that some specialized meetings between shipping lines and owners of the goods with customs and banking officials of India were on agenda.
Shahdadi pointed to the role of Chabahar Port in developing regional trades and emphasized tha importance of Chabahar has encouraged Indian officials to earmark a day on Chabahar Port in one of most important cities of India.
India’s Union Minister Mr Sarbananda Sonowal, Minister of State Mr Shripad Yesso Naik, Ambassador of Kazakhstan to India Mr. Nurlan Zhalgasbayev, Ambassador of Kazakhstan Mr. Asein Isaev, Ambassador of Kyrgyzstan Mr. Lukmon Bobokalonzoda, Ambassador of Tajikistan Mr. Shalar Geldynazarov, Ambassador of Turkmenistan Mr. Dilshod Akhatov, Ambassador of Uzbekistan Mr Consul General (CG) of Afghanistan Mr. Zakia Wardak and Councul General of Iran Mr. Alikhani were other prominent participants of this event.
Meanwhile in his address to the event Mr. Sonwal stated, “Our vision is to make Shahid Beheshti Port at Chabahar a transit hub and linking it to INSTC to reach out to Central Asian Countries.” He said “We look forward to businesses and logistics companies to utilize the incentives of the Shahid Beheshti Port and Chabahar Free Trade Zone.” He added, “We urge all the representatives and stakeholders to come forward with suggestions to reduce the transportation time and cost further to make a cheaper, shorter, faster and more reliable route from India to Iran and Central Asia.”
During the event, the delegates from the Central Asian countries highlighted how Chabahar link with INSTC can play a vital role in boosting EXIM trade in their regions and its potential to further boost development in the landlocked countries. During the day-long event, several presentations and Government to Business sessions took place. Presentations and speeches were given by Chairman IPA, MD IPGL, FFFAI and Joint Secretary, Ministry of External Affairs.
