MARITIME-ORIENTED DEVELOPMENT PLAN

Seas and oceans are valuable blessings rich in resources that drive scientific progress, job creation, and national power. Iran’s strategic location with extensive coastlines and islands offers great maritime potential. To achieve a strong regional and global maritime role, Iran must effectively utilize its coastal and oceanic assets. In line with this, the Supreme Leader issued nine general policies for maritime-oriented development in November 2023, with Article 4 currently prioritized by the Ministry of Roads and Urban Development

4. Formulation of a comprehensive maritime-oriented development plan including zoning of seas, shores, and hinterlands; defining population, trade, industry, agriculture, and tourism allocations— especially in the southern coasts and islands, with particular emphasis on the Makran coasts—while emphasizing Iranian-Islamic identity, to be completed within one year of policy issuance.

1. Major Gap in Maritime Economy’s Share of GDP and Employment • Iran: ~2% of GDP, ~3% of employment from maritime sectors • Leading maritime nations: >10% of GDP from blue economy • High job creation potential in ports, shipbuilding yards, fisheries, marine energy, tourism • 🔹 Global Trend: Maritime sectors to be AI- and data-driven with highvalue job growth in digital logistics and green shipping

2. Iran’s Strategic Position in Global Trade Corridors • Sits at the heart of the INSTC, linking India to Russia and Europe • Chabahar: Iran’s only deep-sea, oceanic port—gateway to Central Asia and Afghanistan • Faces competition from CPEC, Turkey–Caucasus, and India–Persian Gulf routes • Iran can emerge as a regional hub, linking South Asia, Africa, and Europe • Ports like Chabahar and Bandar Abbas have potential to become transshipment hubs • Must transition from cargo-handling ports (Gen 2) to smart, integrated logistics hubs (Gen 4) • 🔹 Global Trend: Smart, AI-enabled corridors and resilient port ecosystems are the future

. Lagging Behind in Coastal Investment • Global: 30%+ of FDI flows to coastal regions • Iran: <10% of Makran’s economic potential tapped • Needs: Free zones, SEZs, smart logistics hubs, coastal tourism • 🔹 Global Trend: Investors prefer smart, climate-resilient, AI-enabled port cities CHALLENGES : 4. Maritime Security and Strategic Resilience • 90% of Iran’s maritime trade relies on Strait of Hormuz • Dual-use (military–commercial) port development essential • Presence in blue waters strengthens sovereignty and deterrence • 🔹 Global Trend: Autonomous naval systems, satellite monitoring, and cyber-security are key

MACRO APPROUCH:

The Government of the Islamic Republic of Iran, recognizing the vital importance of seas and coasts in the global economy and with a clear understanding of the country's land-sea capabilities, is determined to seriously pursue sea-oriented development. As an active member of the international community, Iran aims to overcome its development lag compared to regional countries and to harness this natural endowment for the benefit of its economy and culture. Committed to international environmental, economic, and other agreements, Iran seeks constructive engagement with the world. To achieve this, a strategic-operational document is required—one that outlines the nation's future roadmap through the lens of maritime development.

STEERING COMMITTEE: The consultant must get expert group approval for all reports before submitting them to the Steering Committee for final endorsement. Steering Committee members: •The President’s Special Envoy for maritime policy coordination •Chief of Armed Forces General Staff •Minister of Roads and Urban Development (Secretary) •Head of Plan and Budget Organization •Three scientific and professional experts