Mehr News Agency, Provinces Group – Hamed Arabzadeh*: Bushehr province, with over 900 kilometers of maritime borders along the Persian Gulf and possessing important ports such as Bushehr, Dayyer, Ganaveh, and Kangan, has valuable capacities for export development. The geo-economic position of this province has turned it into an important gateway for the entry and exit of goods between Iran and the countries of the Persian Gulf, East Africa, and the Indian subcontinent.
The existence of port infrastructure, customs facilities, and special economic zones, especially in South Pars, has made Bushehr one of the main hubs of trade and energy in the country. These features have paved the way for extensive domestic and foreign investment in the province’s export and industrial projects.
Kharg Island; The Beating Heart of Iran’s Crude Oil Exports
Kharg Island, as one of the most important terminals for Iran’s crude oil exports, plays an irreplaceable role in the national economy and the country’s energy equations. This island, located in the northwestern part of the Persian Gulf within Bushehr province, is the main center for loading and exporting Iran’s crude oil to international markets.
Over 90% of the country’s crude oil exports are carried out through the Kharg oil terminal, which has solidified Bushehr’s position in the global energy and trade structure.
In addition to crude oil exports, Kharg Island has become one of the important service and logistics centers in the oil and gas sector in recent years due to the establishment of support facilities, storage, and maritime repairs. The presence of major oil companies and skilled human resources in this region has provided a suitable platform for the development of related industries, including petrochemicals and technical-engineering services.
Planning for the development of export and environmental infrastructure in Kharg can, while maintaining its position in the energy sector, pave the way for increasing the country’s export capacity and enhancing Bushehr’s role in the national economy.
Oil Capacities; The Driving Force of Iran’s Energy Exports
The Pars Special Economic Energy Zone in Asaluyeh, alongside Kharg Island, is considered the vital artery of Iran’s energy exports. A significant portion of the country’s gas, gas condensates, and petrochemical products are supplied from this region and exported to international markets through the southern ports of the province.
The active petrochemical plants in Asaluyeh and Kangan, focusing on downstream products, have a considerable share in the country’s indirect exports, and the development of knowledge-based industries in this field can bring more added value to the province.
Non-Oil Capacities; From Palm Groves to the Sea
Alongside vast energy resources, Bushehr has extensive non-oil capacities that play an effective role in diversifying the country’s export portfolio.
The fisheries and aquaculture sector is one of the most important economic areas of the province. Bushehr is one of the main hubs for shrimp farming and exports in Iran, and the province’s marine products have gained a special place in Asian and European markets. The development of shrimp farms, cold storage infrastructure, and standardized packaging has smoothed the path for the growth of fisheries exports.
In the agricultural and palm grove sector, Dashtestan and Tangestan counties, with the production of high-quality export dates, play a significant role in the province’s non-oil foreign currency earnings. Attention to processing and packaging industries can create new markets in East Asia and Europe for Bushehr dates.
Additionally, handicrafts, maritime industries, and coastal tourism are other potential export capacities of the province that, with targeted support, can showcase a new face of Bushehr’s cultural and local economy.
Special Economic Zones, Accelerators of Export Development
The special economic zones of Bushehr, the northern part of the province, and proposed plans for establishing free zones in Ganaveh and Dayyer have provided valuable infrastructure for export development. Facilitating customs processes, developing export docks, and establishing joint trade centers with neighboring countries are among the measures that can enhance Bushehr’s role in Iran’s foreign trade.
Infrastructure Development and Support for Exporters
Economic experts believe that achieving the export goals of Bushehr province requires the development of maritime and road transport infrastructure, modernization of ports, digitalization of customs processes, and support for small and medium-sized export-oriented enterprises.
Creating an effective link between producers, exporters, and scientific and technological centers can also lead to improved quality of export products and a more stable presence in global markets.
Bushehr on the Path to an Export-Oriented Economy
National Export Day is an opportunity to appreciate economic activists and review the hidden capacities in the country’s border provinces. Bushehr, relying on its vast oil and gas resources, Kharg Island, agricultural and fisheries products, and local industries, can serve as a model of a diverse and resilient economy for Iran.
Moving towards an export-oriented economy with a focus on provinces like Bushehr will be a fundamental step towards achieving sustainable development and strengthening Iran’s position in the regional and global economy.
*Reporter
News code: 6625658
