TEHRAN – Iran’s Kerman seeks to become the tourism capital for the D-8 Organization for Economic Cooperation, also known as Developing-8.

The nomination has been warmly received by the Secretary-General of the D-8, highlighting the city's potential to serve as a focal point for tourism development within the organization, Kerman’s tourism chief said on Sunday.

Governor general of Kerman province and the Secretary-General of the D-8 have held discussions during a meeting at the 17th Tehran International Tourism & Related Industries Exhibition, held in the Iranian capital last week, Saeid Shahrokhi noted.

Shahrokhi stated that following the submission of Kerman's proposal to the D-8 through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, necessary evaluations will be conducted, leading to the official announcement of the decision by Iran.

Shahrokhi emphasized the importance of Kerman devising diverse programs, including joint meetings with the ambassadors of D-8 member countries in Kerman and hosting collaborative events.

He also proposed the idea of cultural weeks being organized in the member states, along with the possibility of signing twinning agreements between Kerman's municipality and cities in D-8 countries.

Furthermore, he suggested establishing academic connections between universities and scientific centers in Kerman and those in D-8 countries.

Kerman is something of a cultural melting pot, blending various regional cultures over time. It is also home to rich tourist spots and historical sites, including bazaars, mosques, caravanserais and ruins of ancient urban areas.

It is bounded by the provinces of Fars in the west, Yazd in the north, South Khorasan in the northeast, Sistan-Baluchestan in the east, and Hormozgan in the south. It includes the southern part of the central Iranian desert, the Dasht-e Lut.

The establishment of D-8  Organization for Economic Cooperation, which is among Iran Bangladesh, Egypt, Indonesia, Malaysia, Nigeria, Pakistan and Turkiye, was announced officially through the Istanbul Declaration of Summit of Heads of State/Government on June 15, 1997.

It seeks to improve member states’ position in the global economy, diversify and create new opportunities in trade relations, enhance participation in decision-making at international level, and improve standards of living.

AFM