The Governor of Khuzestan, emphasizing the unique capacities of the Arvand Free Zone, identified the development of a maritime-oriented development plan, the expansion of medical tourism, the strengthening of trade with Iraq, and the establishment of specialized production and investment infrastructure as key pathways for the development of Abadan and Khorramshahr.
According to the Public Relations and International Affairs Department of the Arvand Free Zone Organization, Seyyed Mohammad Reza Mowalizadeh, Governor of Khuzestan, made the remarks during a meeting between the Minister of Cooperatives, Labour and Social Welfare and economic stakeholders in the Arvand Free Zone.
Referring to the maritime-oriented development plan prepared by Khorramshahr University of Marine Science and Technology, the governor called for the capacities of Abadan, Khorramshahr, Minushahr and Arvandkenar to be incorporated into the country’s maritime-oriented development programs. He stated that the region’s coastal, maritime and hinterland capacities could provide a foundation for sustainable development and create new economic opportunities.
The Governor of Khuzestan also described medical tourism as one of the region’s important economic potentials, noting that, given the region’s proximity to Iraq and the city of Basra, the development of medical and educational infrastructure could help attract Iraqi patients and students and expand cooperation between the two countries.
He identified the dredging of the mouth and navigation channel of the Arvand Rud as one of the essential requirements for reviving trade and commercial activity in the region. Referring to the commencement of dredging operations, he stressed the need for their continuation. He also identified the establishment of a joint border market in Shalamcheh, the development of transportation and communication routes with Iraq, and the completion of joint infrastructure projects as other important measures to strengthen the economic relations between the two countries.
The governor further highlighted the development of specialized industrial and agricultural parks, the expansion of aquaculture, and the diversification of fisheries production as other opportunities in the region, emphasizing the need to support these sectors.
Referring to economic stakeholders’ demands for the establishment of a dedicated credit line, he called for increased banking facilities and stronger circulation of financial resources within the province. He also described the return of the banking and tax accounts of economic enterprises to Khuzestan as an effective factor in strengthening production and investment.
Concluding his remarks, the Governor of Khuzestan described the development of the steel value chain as one of the province’s major economic opportunities. Referring to Khuzestan’s industrial background and access to the Iraqi market, he emphasized support for the development of this value chain and the simultaneous utilization of the capacities of the cooperative and private sectors to put the province on a path toward sustainable development.