Increased transactions between Iran and Qatar registered for the merchants of the two countries since last year has led Qatari executives in different fields, especially transport, to take firm strides to strengthen their relations with Iran.
Last December, the Qatari Minister of Economy, Mr. Ahmed Al Thani visited Iran and called for the investors of the two countries to establish higher joint cooperation in regard with ports, include increased volume of commercial transactions in the agenda, and seek to resolve all existing obstacles. He then proposed the trades between Iran and Qatar to be grown to 5 billion US Dollars (USD). Now all different sectors are prepared to achieve that objective through taking the required measures.
During a recent 7-day visit of a high-ranking transport officials of Qatar to Iran, therefore, it was emphasized that a significant portion of Qatari cargo demands be met through Iran, and numerous proposals were exchanged, which need to be considered and decided to establish joint cooperation and reach the desirable results.
The Iranian merchants and Chamber of Commerce also welcomed the Qatari visit: "Reduced port charges will help increase the level of commercial transactions between the two countries. Therefore, the meetings between the officials Qatari ports and southern Iranian ports considered the issue, and welcomed the suggestion for reducing port charges by the related authorities of the two states."
Unbelievable Activity & Service Quality in Iranian Ports
During the visit to the southern Iranian ports of Bushehr, Khorramshahr and Shahid Rajaee, the Qatari Delegation became familiar with the port potentials of the host country, commended the unbelievable conditions of Iranian ports in terms of service quality and activities, and announced their strengthened resolution to establish cooperation.
Mr. Mohammad Al-Khonji, the Head of Qatari Port Organization stated in his meetings with Iranian port authorities: "Southern Iranian ports have a long history, and we can thus use the Iranian experience in expanding cooperation and commercial transactions."
He continued that Qatar intended to cooperate with all southern ports of Iran, in order to expand the commercial ties between the two countries.
The 7-day visit of the high-ranking transport officials of Qatari Ministry of Transport to Iran entailed the following 12 strategic achievements:
1. Qatari presence in Iranian activities, according to long-term strategic plans;
2. Connection of Qatari and southern Iranian ports according to activity types;
3. Qatari investment in Khorramshahr Port;
4. Reconsidering port charges by Iran and Qatar;
5. Holding conferences on commercial capacities and opportunities;
6. Bilateral ties on maritime search & rescue and seafarers' document endorsement;
7. Facilitated commercial ties of Qatar with Bushehr, Khorramshahr and Shahid Rajaee;
8. Concluding port agreements between Shahid Rajaee and Hamad Ports;
9. Preparing executive plans to expand commercial relations between Qatari ports and Khorramshahr;
10. Preparing Negin Port to attract Qatari investors;
11. Launching regular maritime lines between Iran and Qatar; and
12. Success of Iranian ships when leaving Qatari ports.