Iran in Talks With CIS Countries on Port Investment

TEHRAN (Iran News) According to ILNA, Saeed Rasouli, Deputy Minister of Roads and Urban Development and head of the PMO, said the organization has entered a new phase of activity. He emphasized that in line with the directives of President Ebrahim Raisi and the framework of Iran’s Seventh Development Plan, the PMO is prioritizing the maritime economy.

Highlighting the policies outlined by Iran’s Supreme Leader on the maritime economy, Rasouli noted that one of the key objectives is attracting foreign and domestic investment into Iran’s ports. “We have launched a comprehensive review of internal procedures, regulations, and processes to create the necessary conditions for investors to participate effectively,” he stated.

Rasouli acknowledged that excessive bureaucracy and inconsistencies in some regulations had previously slowed investment opportunities, but said reforms are now underway. He added that reviving previously stalled projects is a priority, with tangible progress already achieved on several key initiatives.

The PMO chief also pointed to strong interest from neighboring states, particularly landlocked CIS countries, in investing in Iranian ports. “Most of these countries have expressed readiness to use Iran’s transit routes, and some are even prepared to provide official state guarantees to channel cargo through our territory,” he said.

According to Rasouli, Iran is on the verge of signing operational investment contracts with several CIS countries, while investment memorandums with others have reached their final stages. He stressed that such projects will not only expand Iran’s transit infrastructure but also increase the country’s share in regional trade.

Addressing past challenges, Rasouli acknowledged a lack of coordination among government bodies in managing transit projects. However, he pointed to the establishment of a new cross-agency committee—chaired by the president under the Seventh Development Plan—as a key step toward resolving this issue.”Investment”

He reaffirmed the PMO’s commitment to playing a central role in boosting inter-agency cooperation, strengthening infrastructure, and attracting investment. Rasouli also highlighted record achievements in transit during 2023, noting that Iran must work toward handling 40 million tons of cargo transit by the end of the current development plan.

Emphasizing the role of human resources, Rasouli concluded that measures are also being taken to enhance the skills and capacity of personnel within the PMO.