Developing Iran’s Ports and Maritime Economy by Emulating China’s “Belt and Road Initiative”
Seanews— The “Belt and Road Initiative” (BRI) of China, with a focus on the development of ports and maritime infrastructure, is a successful example of planning and investment in the maritime economy. Known as one of the largest infrastructure and economic projects in the world, its main goal is to create road and sea connections between China and other countries. These connections are aimed at facilitating trade, economic exchanges, and the development of global exports and imports.
Given its unique geographical location as a bridge between Asia and Europe, Iran can emulate this project to develop its ports and maritime economy, thereby enhancing its trade and economic relations. Iran’s unique position makes it one of the key potentials in maritime trade and transportation. Next, we will examine this plan concerning Iran to better understand the existing challenges and opportunities and to provide solutions for optimal utilization of this opportunity.
### Emulating China’s “Belt and Road Initiative”
China has played a significant role in global trade through substantial investments in port and maritime infrastructure development. Some key actions by China that Iran can emulate include:
#### Development of Strategic Ports
– **Gwadar Port in Pakistan:** China has transformed this port into a logistical and commercial hub. Iran can emulate this by turning Chabahar Port into a major commercial and transit center, a goal currently being pursued with the new contract with an Indian company for the port’s development.
– **Colombo Port in Sri Lanka:** The development of this port in collaboration with China has improved Sri Lanka’s maritime infrastructure and increased trade volume. Iran can similarly develop its ports in cooperation with China to enhance their trade capacities.
#### Investment in Logistical Infrastructure
– **Multimodal Transport Network:** China has facilitated the transportation of goods by establishing rail, road, and sea transport networks. Iran should focus on developing a comprehensive transport network, particularly the capillary network, which is crucial for the successful exchange of goods based on sustainable logistics parameters, including the establishment of dry ports and logistical centers.
– **Development of Container Terminals:** Improving container terminals at Iranian ports can increase the efficiency and speed of transportation. This priority can be viewed through the lens of smart and fully mechanized terminals to reduce costs, increase efficiency, develop specialized forces, and accelerate cargo handling.
#### Attracting Foreign Investment
– **Establishment of Free Trade Zones:** China has strengthened international trade by establishing free trade zones to attract foreign investments. Iran can also enhance the quantity and quality of its free trade zones in ports to promote industrialization and development of commercial, financial, and administrative facilities to attract more foreign investments. However, achieving this advantage requires creating competition and realizing a free economy.
### Proposed Actions for Developing Iran’s Ports and Maritime Economy
#### Developing Port Infrastructure
– **Increasing Port Capacity:** Upgrading and expanding existing ports such as Bandar Abbas, Imam Khomeini Port, and Chabahar Port to increase capacity and enhance loading and unloading speeds.
#### Attracting Investment and International Cooperation
– **Encouraging Foreign Investment:** Providing financial incentives and facilities to attract foreign investments in various port and maritime sectors.
#### Enhancing Technology and Port Management
– **Utilizing Modern Technologies:** Employing modern technologies in port management and maritime transportation, such as information systems and automation.
– **Training and Developing Skilled Workforce:** Training skilled and specialized workforce in port and maritime fields to increase efficiency and productivity.
In this context, Yu Miaojie, President of Liaoning University in China, mentioned in an interview that China’s “Belt and Road” transport corridor plan is more attractive to developing countries than the American plan, which passes from India through Saudi Arabia to Europe.
He added that the “Belt and Road” initiative is open, and therefore, if other countries decide to implement a similar plan, China will gladly welcome it.
This statement shows that China is willing to provide solutions to countries looking to benefit from this initiative. Considering the 25-year agreement between China and Iran, this is a valuable opportunity.
By leveraging China’s successful experiences in the “Belt and Road Initiative,” Iran can develop its ports and maritime economy. With investments in port infrastructure, strengthening the transport network, attracting foreign investments, and utilizing modern technologies, Iran can play an important role in regional and global trade, achieving sustainable development and economic growth.
