TEHRAN Irans Minister of Industry, Mining and Trade Mohammad Atabak said: Iran declares its readiness to develop the infrastructure of the Caspian-Persian Gulf corridor and create the necessary facilities for the establishment of logistics bases and the exploitation of Iran's southern ports for the Caspian Sea littoral states.Making the remarks in the third Caspian Economic Forum, the official stated: The activation and development of infrastructure in upgrading corridors and logistics and digitalization of processes, creation of joint industrial and technology parks, facilitation of financial and banking exchanges based on the successful experiences of members based on the national currency of the Caspian countries, creation of green customs corridors and joint free zones, according to the successful experiences of member countries in the field of understanding of long-term bilateral or multilateral cooperation were emphasized in the event.The third Caspian Economic Forum kicked off in Tehran on Monday with the presence of the officials of the Caspian Sea littoral states.The two-day event is being held with the aim of presenting solutions to increase the economic and commercial cooperation between the Caspian Sea littoral states.According to Iran's Trade Promotion Organization (TPO), Akbar Godari, Director General for Central Asia, the Caucasus, and Russia at the TPO, the key topics include healthcare, energy, finance, tourism, investment in free trade zones, and logistics.Godari noted that Irans Trade Promotion Organization has organized seven specialized panels for the first day of the event, covering areas such as trade, industry, and agriculture (Ministry of Industry, Mine, and Trade); economic, customs, banking, and investment cooperation (Ministry of Economic Affairs and Finance); transportation, transit, and engineering services (Iran's Transport and Urban Development Ministry); environmental, health, and tourism cooperation (Department of Environment); energy collaboration, including oil, gas, electricity, and renewables (Ministry of Oil and Ministry of Energy); scientific and technological cooperation (Vice Presidency for Science and Technology); and discussions among the heads of chambers of commerce (Iran Chamber of Commerce, Industries, Mines, and Agriculture).On the second day, the prime ministers of the five Caspian littoral states will sign a final declaration outlining measures to strengthen cooperation and implement agreements through periodic ministerial follow-ups.The first Caspian trade and economic cooperation agreement was signed in August 2018 in Kazakhstan and ratified by Irans Parliament in January 2023.
Under Article 5 of the agreement, the Caspian Economic Forum is to be held periodically in each of the coastal nations.The inaugural Caspian Economic Forum and exhibition took place in August 2019 in Awaza, Turkmenistan, with the participation of prime ministers and trade delegations.The second forum was held in Moscow in October 2022, attended by Irans former First Vice President Mohammad Mokhber and other leaders.
During that meeting, it was agreed that Iran would host the third edition in 2024.MA