Iran's Future Prosperity: Embracing a Sea-Based Economy, Says Salehi-Amiri

TEHRAN — The future of Iran’s economic development is set to pivot towards a sea-based economy, as highlighted by Minister of Cultural Heritage, Reza Salehi-Amiri. During a recent meeting aimed at coordinating the implementation of policies for sea-based development, he underscored the strategic importance of Iran’s coastal regions in shaping the nation’s economic trajectory, according to a report by IRNA.

Salehi-Amiri articulated the government’s commitment to transforming coastal provinces into vital components of the national development plan, stating, “National development is not possible without paying attention to the sea. Today, all parts of the government believe that the future of Iran depends on the development of the country’s northern and southern coasts.”

The minister elaborated on the government’s plans, which prioritize:

Balanced Development: Focusing on local capacities.
Sustainable Employment: Creating job opportunities in coastal areas.
Civilizational Advantages: Recognizing the sea as a significant opportunity that needs careful planning.

Salehi-Amiri also pointed out the underwhelming contribution of marine tourism to Iran’s economy. He noted that, while developed nations derive approximately 30% of their tourism income from the sea, Iran’s share remains below 2%. He stated, “This indicator must be improved, and we have developed a comprehensive plan for it that includes both the coastal areas and islands of the country.”

In his speech, he emphasized the importance of developing mixed tourism by stating, “Iran is an exceptional country that encompasses everything from the sea to the forest and desert. Our planning for the development of mixed tourism is based on nature and culture.”

The government’s proactive approach towards tourism development includes:

Increased financial resources for the tourism sector.
Allocation of $340 million to complete over 2,700 unfinished projects across the country.

Salehi-Amiri noted that these resources would be provided by the Central Bank of Iran, the National Development Fund, and the banking network for priority projects in various provinces. He added that tourism is a cornerstone of the country’s non-oil economy, with last year’s funding reaching $25 million, which has seen an increase this year, demonstrating a strategic and forward-looking focus on tourism.

Additionally, he mentioned supportive plans for artisans and ecotourism operators, revealing a memorandum of understanding with the Mostazafan Foundation. This agreement is aimed at providing facilities for 17,500 handicraft units and ecotourism resorts, which are expected to generate employment for over 26,000 people.

To successfully navigate the path towards sea-oriented development, Salehi-Amiri stressed the need for:

Special attention to environmental requirements.
Long-term facilities to attract investors.
Cooperation among different agencies.

He further stated, “Coordination between ministries and governorates guarantees the realization of this path.” The minister highlighted the unique potential of coastal provinces like Makran, Chabahar, Hormozgan, Bushehr, and Khuzestan, which have the capacity to evolve into major tourism and economic hubs. From the ancient civilization of Chogha Zanbil to the untouched beaches of Makran, and the stunning islands of the Persian Gulf to the lush Caspian forests, these areas present significant opportunities for national development.

Ali Abdolalizadeh, the President’s Representative for Maritime Development, echoed the importance of development for effective governance. He noted that nations struggling with progress often do so not due to a lack of capital, but due to weaknesses in institution building. “During my year in charge of maritime development, I have realized that the value of institution building is greater than any tangible investment.”

Abdolalizadeh explained that the initial regulation developed by the Maritime Development Secretariat focused on distinguishing between ships and vessels to resolve existing discrepancies among executive agencies, a crucial step towards establishing discipline in the maritime sector.

He also highlighted the necessity of coordination among the more than 30 agencies involved in transportation and marine tourism. The goal is to create institutional links between these entities to prevent overlap and ensure streamlined operations.

To address the challenges on the Makran coast, two essential steps have been initiated:

Drafting regulations for the construction and operation of marinas.
Designing marine tourism corridors along with specific logistics regulations.

Abdolalizadeh pointed out the unique natural resources of the southern coast, mentioning areas like ‘Gel Feshan’ on the Makran coast, which remain undocumented but are part of Iran’s natural heritage. He emphasized the need to protect these regions as national assets, adding that the natural beauty of the Makran coast and Persian Gulf islands is integral to Iran’s cultural identity.

In his closing remarks, he stressed the importance of recognizing and preserving the natural and cultural assets of Makran, declaring, “These opportunities should not be ignored. Any action that can help strengthen Makran’s position in national development should be pursued seriously.”