TEHRAN - Secretary-General of the Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO) Khosro Nazeri, along with some of the members of the organization’s Council of Permanent Representatives (CPR), visited Iran’s Shahid Rajaei Port in southern Hormozgan Province on Thursday, the portal of Ports and Maritime Organization (PMO) reported.

As reported, the mentioned visit, as well as a specialized meeting between Hormozgan Province’s private sector representatives and the CPR members, was organized by Bandar Abbas Chamber of Commerce, Industries, Mines, and Agriculture.

During their visit to Shahid Rajaei Port, Nazeri and his companions became acquainted with the port’s latest achievements and developments in various areas and were informed about the latest operational status of the largest commercial port in the country.

As the country’s largest and most advanced commercial port, Shahid Rajaei accounts for more than 57 percent of Iran’s total annual commodity transportation.

During this visit, Head of Hormozgan Province Ports and Maritime Department Alireza Mohammadi Karaji-Ran, who was also accompanying the ECO delegation, introduced the capacities and advantages of investment in Hormozgan Province and Shahid Rajaei port, saying: “Hormozgan province has 2,200 kilometers of sea borders, with 14 small and large islands and 32 active ports, through which most of the country’s commodity exchange is carried out.”

“Due to being located at the center of the north-south corridor, Shahid Rajaei Port connects Asia to Europe, which is a very positive feature for foreign investment and the development of maritime activities,” Karaji-Ran said.

Referring to the strategic role of Hormozgan Province’s ports, especially Shahid Rajaei, in the transit of goods through Iran, the official reminded that the port accounts for more than 55 percent of the total exports and imports and 80 percent of the transit carried out through the country’s ports.

The official further referred to the ongoing development projects in this port, saying: “With the completion of the third phase of Shahid Rajaei Port’s development project and its container terminal, which is one of the most important and largest port development projects in the country, vessels with capacities of over 18,400 TEU can berth at this port.

ECO pursues facilitation of trade among members

The ECO representatives further explored the potential areas for economic cooperation with Iran during a meeting with the members of the Bandar Abbas Chamber of Commerce on Thursday.

Speaking in this gathering, Nazeri stressed that ECO seriously pursues the facilitation of trade among its members, IRNA reported.

According to the official, since the costs of trade in the ECO region are very high, the ECO Secretariat seeks to implement a free trade agreement (known as ECOTA) among the member countries, with the aim of facilitating trade by reducing tariffs and increasing intra-regional trade.

“Some studies have been carried out in this regard and the ninth meeting of the ECOTA Cooperation Council is scheduled to be held in 2022 and hopefully some progress will be made,” Nazeri said.

CPR members also stressed the significance of trade fairs and exhibitions in ECO member states, noting that holding exhibitions by ECO member countries through their chambers of commerce is crucial for regional economic integration and trade expansion.

EF/MA

Photo: ECO Secretary-General Khosro Nazeri (2nd R) visits Iran’s southern Shahid Rajaei Port