The Governor of Guilan, emphasizing the potential of a sea-based economy, stated that The First Caspian Governors’ Forum presents an opportunity to enhance regional cooperation and improve the well-being of residents in the Caspian Sea region. According to a report from the Public Relations Department of the Guilan Governor’s office, Hadi Haghshenas, during the opening ceremony of the First Caspian Governors’ Forum, highlighted the historical cultural ties between Iran and the Caspian Sea countries, noting the shared appreciation for Persian literature and poets like Omar Khayyam, Hafez, and Saadi in Kazakhstan and Russia.
He stressed the importance of strengthening cooperation in the Caspian Sea region to take advantage of the opportunities presented by a sea-based economy. This includes initiatives like launching passenger ships to boost maritime tourism, increasing trade and transit among coastal nations, and utilizing chambers of commerce and free industrial zones. The Governor also emphasized the necessity of protecting the Caspian Sea environment through collaborative efforts to manage water levels, mitigate damage from oil extraction, and preserve marine resources.
Haghshenas underscored the significance of the forum in fostering economic, cultural, and environmental ties among Caspian Sea countries to elevate the standard of living for the region’s inhabitants. He highlighted the substantial loading capacity of Iranian ports in the Caspian Sea region, exceeding 30 million tons annually, and expressed optimism about activating the North-South corridor. Additionally, he mentioned the investments made by Caspian Sea countries in port infrastructure and proposed opportunities for student and faculty exchanges in academic fields.
The Governor concluded by emphasizing the potential benefits of strategic cooperation among coastal provinces, envisioning direct advantages for residents in these areas. He expressed hope that the First Caspian Governors’ Forum would serve as a pivotal step towards realizing these cooperative goals.
