Iran’s Navy Commander Rear-Admiral Habibollah Sayyari made the remarks at the closing ceremony of the 18th International Marine Industries Conference and Offshore Technological Exhibition in Kish Island.
He touched upon the importance of the sea saying “more than 70 percent of the Earth’s surface is covered by water and 80 per cent of people live within 200 kilometers of beaches as well as that 90 percent of global trade is being carried out through the sea.”
“Creation of a continuous system of mobility placed at the service of world trade, access to water and land adjacent to the sea and the ability to influence the world through the sea are all opportunities for progress and sustainable development and means of increasing national wealth.”
The commander went on to note that the use of marine capacities holds different dimensions and relies on numerous factors including enjoying the geography of the country, government policies, demographic features, extensiveness of beaches and coasts quality.
Sayyari further noted that the sea possesses excellent capacities for economic development including creation of global and regional shipping ports, transit purposes as well as development of civilization in the coastal strip.
Navy commander, while pointing to the importance of Iran’s naval position, said “six geopolitical areas are situated around the country three of which are marine zones.”
“Iran is surrounded by 15 neighbors with eight of which we have maritime borders,” continued the official noting that 93 per cent of imports and exports are carried out through maritime borders.
He reiterated that maritime economy is based on capacities of the ocean; “maritime economy aims to improve human life and boost social equality while reducing environmental risks and scarcity at an environmentally significant level.”
Sayyari called for increasing work force, foreign investment and investment in abroad as means of introducing new production resources.
“Makran is a perfect coast with high capacities for maritime economy, proper water depth, excellent hinterland, vicinity to the ocean, global gateway location, proximity to international shipping lanes, nearness to sources of energy and international trade and tourism potentials,” Iran’s Navy commander concluded.
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