PMO Launches New Phase to Boost Marine Economy
PMO’s Managing Director announced the organization's extensive plans to realize the general policies of the maritime economy, attract foreign and domestic investment, and facilitate regulations
PMO News Portal - Saeed Rasouli, Deputy Minister of Roads and Urban Development and managing director of the Ports and Maritime Organization, announced the commencement of a new phase of activities aimed at advancing the organization’s strategic goals. Speaking with the Ministry of Roads and Urban Development’s news portal, Rasouli emphasized the alignment of these efforts with the policies of the government and the directives of President, focusing on the implementation of the Seventh Development Plan with a strong emphasis on a marine-based economy.
Rasouli identified attracting both domestic and foreign investment in port infrastructure as a key priority. The Ports and Maritime Organization has undertaken comprehensive planning and initiated a fundamental review of internal procedures and regulations to create a more conducive environment for investment and active stakeholder participation.
Rasouli acknowledged that excessive bureaucracy has previously hindered investment opportunities but confirmed that these issues are actively being addressed to ensure smoother processes. He also revealed efforts to revive several previously stalled investment projects, noting that considerable progress has been achieved within a short timeframe.
Rasouli pointed to growing interest from neighboring countries, particularly landlocked CIS nations, which have expressed enthusiasm for leveraging Iranian ports as key transit routes. Some of these countries are prepared to provide official governmental commitments for freight transit through Iran. Negotiations are underway to formalize executive investment contracts with several nations.
Concluding his remarks, Rasouli reaffirmed the Ports and Maritime Organization’s commitment to leveraging its full capacities to foster synergy, reinforce transit infrastructure, and attract sustained investment. He highlighted the record achievements in cargo transit during the Iranian calendar year 1402 (2023–2024) and underscored the goal of achieving 40 million tons of cargo transit by the end of the Seventh Development Plan, supported by close cooperation with the Ministry of Roads and Urban Development.
