By Staff Reporter
I would like to extend my sincere congratulations to the government of Pakistan for successfully hosting the 23rd Meeting of Ministers of Trade and Commerce of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) member states. Also my warmest appreciations for the hospitality presented to the delegations.
The SCO is the largest regional organization in terms of area and population, covering 80% of Eurasia land 40% of the world’s population. With 20% of the world’s oil reserves, 44% of its gas reserves, and a GDP of $24.2 trillion in 2023—about one fourth of the global GDP—it holds an important economic and commercial position globally.
This organization has 10 main members, two observer members, and 14 dialogue partners. With the capacities of the SCO members, it is expected that many more countries join this important pact in the near future.
Activating all the capacities of the member countries in this organization is important, and it must be done through cooperation and collective synergy. In this important meeting, I focus on one aspect of these capacities, namely, transportation infrastructure and trade corridors, which drive the development of cooperation among the members of this organization and, indeed, the world.
We all know that major powers are currently seeking to create corridors that maximize their interests. In this framework, it is essential that the SCO members, in the first phase, complete the existing corridors and, in next phases, work towards creating new ones. The Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), the North-South Corridor, and the East-West Corridor are significant routes that can enhance synergy between members and other parts of the world.
I am proud to say that the Islamic Republic of Iran, with its 5,800 kilometers of coastline—including 890 kilometers in the north and 4,900 kilometers in the south—has a strategic position in connecting the North-South and East-West corridors.
Important ports such as Chabahar, Bandar Abbas, Mahshahr, Amirabad, and others serve as essential transportation hubs and play a significant role in this organization. Moreover, if you look at the map of our country’s railway lines, it is clear that with minimal investment, the Iranian railway network can play a crucial role in connecting the North-South and East-West corridors and providing SCO members access to global markets.
Our country has made special provisions and incentives for investment in coastal and northern areas, aiming to connect the railway lines of the member countries. It is hoped that, with the cooperation of the members, these capacities will be realized and contribute to the goals of this organization.
We hope that by focusing on completing transit lines, creating trade facilities, and striving to establish financial, banking, and commercial institutions, the members of this organization will take significant steps toward economic growth and development.
