Geography

Geography

Developing strategies to utilize the opportunities of Chabahar Port in order to improve the economic security of the Islamic Republic of Iran

Document Type : Research Article

Author
Ehsan Mazandarani
Maritime Business Management, Faculty of Management and Economics, Tehran University of Science and Research, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran.
10.22034/jiga.2025.2055350.1387
Abstract
Extended Abstract
Introduction
Chabahar Port in Sistan and Baluchestan Province, located in the southeastern part of Iran, plays a crucial role in regional transit routes and offers a significant opportunity for the Islamic Republic of Iran to enhance its economic security. Its strategic location along the Sea of Oman and the Makran coast, coupled with its proximity to global trade corridors, allows access to global markets and connectivity to neighboring countries. The purpose of this article is to outline strategies for harnessing the opportunities of Chabahar Port to bolster Iran’s economic security. To achieve this, a descriptive-analytical research method was employed. The findings suggest that, in light of current conditions and international sanctions, optimal use of Chabahar Port can reduce economic dependencies, strengthen trade relations with Central Asian countries, India, and other global partners, and improve Iran's internal economic security. The proposed strategies for maximizing the port’s potential include developing infrastructure, increasing port capacities, facilitating trade interactions with key countries, enhancing the transportation and transit sectors, and considering the establishment of free trade and industrial zones around the port. Additionally, employing coordinated economic policies and active diplomacy to attract foreign investment and strengthen bilateral relations can improve Iran’s economic standing at both regional and international levels. By implementing these strategies, Iran can fully utilize the potential of Chabahar Port, fortify its economic security against external threats, and play a more prominent role in global trade.
 
Methodology
The research method is applied in terms of purpose and is descriptive-analytical.
 
Results and discussion
Chabahar Port in Sistan and Baluchestan Province, located in the southeast of Iran, as a key valuable point in regional transit routes, provides a special opportunity for the Islamic Republic of Iran to strengthen its economic security. Due to its strategic geographical location along the Sea of Oman and the Makran coast and its proximity to global corridors, this port provides access to global markets and connectivity to neighboring countries. The purpose of this article is to develop strategies for utilizing the opportunities of Chabahar Port in order to improve the economic security of the Islamic Republic of Iran. In order to achieve this goal, a descriptive-analytical method was used. The research findings showed that, given the current conditions and international sanctions, optimal utilization of Chabahar Port can help reduce economic dependencies, strengthen trade relations with Central Asian countries, India and other international partners, and enhance the internal economic security of the Islamic Republic of Iran. Proposed strategies for exploiting these opportunities include developing infrastructure and increasing port capacities, facilitating trade interactions with target countries, strengthening the transportation and transit sector, and considering the establishment of free trade and industrial zones around the port.
 
 
Conclusion
Furthermore, the implementation of coordinated economic policies and active diplomacy aimed at attracting foreign investment and enhancing bilateral relations will help improve Iran’s economic position on both regional and global stages. By executing these strategies, Iran can capitalize on the potential of Chabahar Port, improve its economic security against external threats, and play a more influential role in global trade.
Keywords
Strategy
Chabahar Port
Opportunity
Economic Security
Iran

Subjects

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     https://doi.org/10.22059/ijms.2023.332673.674803

    Ahmadi, A., & Froughi, A. (2021). The role of Chabahar Port in ensuring security in Iran’s eastern borders (Master’s thesis). University of Tehran. [Persian]

    Averina, I. S., & Buyanova, M. E. (2019). Development of an information-analytical system for monitoring challenges and threats to the economic security of the region. Fundamental Research, 9, 5–10. https://doi.org/10.3390/economies11080208

    Borio, C. E. V., & Lowe, P. W. (2022). Asset prices, financial and monetary stability: Exploring the nexus. BIS Working Paper 114.

    https://ssrn.com/abstract=846305

    Cabinet, Secretariat. (2022). National Security Strategy of Japan (December 2022). Available online: https://www.cas.go.jp/jp/siryou/221216anzenhoshou/nss-e.pdf

     Cooper, A. S. (2011). The oil kings: How the U.S., Iran, and Saudi Arabia changed the balance of power in the Middle East. Simon and Schuster. ISBN 978-1-4391-5517-2.

    Destatis. (2022). Aus- und Einfuhr (Außenhandel): Deutschland, Monate. Retrieved from https://www.destatis.de/DE/Themen/Wirtschaft/Aussenhandel/_inhalt.html#sprg475758

     Döhrn, R. (2019). Sieben Jahre RWI/ISL-Containerumschlag-Index – ein Erfahrungsbericht. Wirtschaftsdienst, 99(3), 224-226.

    https://doi.org/10.1007/s10273-019-2422-z

    Daniels, R. (2013). Strategic competition in South Asia: Gwadar, Chabahar, and the risks of infrastructure development. The Journal of the National Committee on American Foreign Policy, 35(2), 93-100. https://doi.org/10.1080/10803920.2013.776887

    1. (2023). Joint communication on a European economic security strategy. Available online at: https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/PDF/?uri=CELEX:52023JC0020

     Fisher, W. B., Yarshater, E., Gershevitch, I., & Frye, R. N. (1968). The Cambridge history of Iran. Cambridge University Press.

    Grikietytė-Čebatavičienė, J. (2021). Financial security assessment in the European Union countries. In Vilnius University Open Series. Vilnius: Vilnius University Press, 13–19.

    Haidar, S. (2020). Iran drops India from Chabahar rail project, cites funding delay. The Hindu. ISSN 0971-751X.

    Hafeznia, M. (2003). Principles and concepts of geopolitics. Samt Publications. [Persian]

    Hrybinenko, O., Bulatova, O., & Zakharova, O. (2020). Financial indicators in the system of economic security of the world countries. Paper presented at the International Scientific Conference “Business and Management 2020”, Vilnius, Lithuania, May 7–8; 273–281.

    https://doi.org/10.3390/economies11080208

    Husainova, E. A., Urazbakhtina, L. R., Serkina, N. A., & Filina, O. V. (2019). Monitoring tools of regional economic security. E3S Web of Conferences, 124, 05009.

    Khan, K. H. (2023). China-India counterbalancing measures through international corridors and ports: The focus on Chabahar and Gwadar ports. Journal of Liberty and International Affairs, 9(2), 144-163.

    Kumar, S. S. (2021). Applicability of UNCLOS for landlocked states: The case of Chabahar port and Afghanistan. Maritime Affairs: Journal of the National Maritime Foundation of India, 17(1), 58-72. https://doi.org/10.1080/09733159.2021.1939869

    Kordi, A. (2017). Social research methods (4th ed.). Oxford University Press.

    Manyaeva, V. A., Sotskova, S. I., & Naumova, O. A. (2019). Development of methods for monitoring economic security of an economic entity. In Global Challenges and Prospects of the Modern Economic Development (Vol. 57). European Proceedings of Social and Behavioural Sciences, Hong Kong: Future Academy, 1158–1168.

    https://doi.org/10.15405/epsbs.2019.03.117

    Ministry of Justice, Japan. (2022). Act on the promotion of ensuring national security through integrated implementation of economic measures. Available online: https://www.japaneselawtranslation.go.jp/en/laws/view/4523/en

    Molavi, A., Lim, G. J., & Race, B. (2020). A framework for building a smart port and smart port index. International Journal of Sustainable Transportation, 14(9), 686–700. https://doi.org/10.1080/15568318.2019.1610919

    Muhammad, S. (2024). Taliban's outreach to Iran worsens Pakistan's Afghanistan dilemma. The Diplomat.

    Malik, H. Y. (2021). China–Iran Strategic Partnership: Implications for India. Chinese Journal of International Review, 3(2), 2150008 (14 pages).

    https://doi.org/10.1142/S2630531321500086

     

     

    Mirgholami, M. (2021). The Belt and Road Initiative in Iran: Urbanregional dialogue in two corridors and three cities. In S. Sidh, W. Hao, L. Wenqi, H. Sun Sheng, & Q. Bo (Eds.), International Perspectives on the Belt and Road Initiative (pp. 207-225). London: Routledge.

    Mitra, R. (2019). India's Persian desire – analyzing India's maritime trade strategy vis-à-vis the Port of Chabahar. Journal of the National Maritime Foundation of India, 15(1), 41-50. 

    https://doi.org/10.1080/09733159.2019.1625226

    MOFA. (2023). G7 Leaders’ statement on economic resilience and economic security

    https://www.mofa.go.jp/mofaj/files/100506767.pdf

     Rudenko, M. N. (2019). Economic security monitoring of the region (on the Perm Territory example). Development and Security, 3, 25–37.

    https://doi.org/10.3390/economies11080208

    Rudakova, T. A., Sannikova, I. N., & Rudakova, O. Y. (2018). Economic security of the region: Essence, factors, monitoring tools. National Interests: Priorities and Security, 14, 1072–91. 

    https://doi.org/10.3390/economies11080208

    RWI/ISL. (2021). RWI/ISL Containerumschlag-Index, February 2021.

    Sabena, S. (2024). How significant is $35M Taliban-Iran Chabahar port deal? Al-Monitor.

    Rastad, M. (2020). Interview with Head of Iran's Ports and Maritime Organization (PMO). Interviewer: S. B. Ali Asadi Khomami [Personal Interview].

    Rayesinezhad, A. (2021). Iran and the New Silk Road: From Geopolitics of the Road to Diplomacy. Tehran: University of Tehran. (Note: 1400 is the Iranian year, converted to the Gregorian year 2021) [Persian].

    Taghizadeh Ansari, M., & Baghernia, N. (1400 [2021 A.D.]). Māhiyyat-e reqābat-e hen va čin dar hoze-ye jpnub-e āsiyā [The Nature of India and China's Rivalries in South Asia]. Journal of Subcontinent Researches, 13(41), 9-26. 

    https://doi.org/10.22111/JSR.2020.30757.1975

    Singh Roy, M. (2021). Iran: India's Gateway to Central Asia. Strategic Analysis, 36(6), 957-975. 

    https://doi.org/10.1080/09700161.2012.728862

    Panda, J. P. (2021). China's BRI diplomacy: What It Means to India and India's Rise (No. 2021-12). 

    http://hdl.handle.net/10419/2355111

    Johny, S. (2023, May 21). North-South Transport Corridor: Connecting Continents. The Hindu.

    Suh, J., Clark, J., & Hayes, J. (2018). Basic economic security in the United States: How much income do working adults need in each state?

    https://iwpr.org/job-qualityincome-security/basic-economic-security-in-the-united-states/

     The White House. (2017). National Security Strategy of the United States of America (December 2017).

    https://trumpwhitehouse.archives.gov/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/NSS-Final-12-18-2017-0905.pdf]

     The White House. (2022). National Security Strategy of the United States of America (October 2022).

    https://www.whitehouse.gov/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/Biden-Harris-Administrations-National-Security-Strategy-10.2022.pdf

    Xu, S., Chan, H. K., Ch’ng, E., & Tan, K. H. (2020). A comparison of forecasting methods for medical device demand using trend-based clustering scheme. Journal of Data, Information and Management, 1–10.

     https://doi.org/10.1007/s42488-020-00026-y

    Vicziany, M. (2015). EU-India Security Issues: Fundamental Incompatibilities. In P. Winand et al. (Eds.), The European Union and India: Rhetoric or Meaningful Partnership. Cheltenham: Edward Elgar Publishing Limited.

    Yang, Y.-C., & Ge, Y.-E. (2020). Adaptation strategies for port infrastructure and facilities under climate change at the Kaohsiung port. Transport Policy, 97, 232–244. 

    https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tranpol.2020.06.019

    Yang, B., & Mao, J. (2020). Knowledge service model of port supply chain enterprise based on ontology. Journal of Physics: Conference Series. 

    https://doi.org/10.1088/1742-6596/1575/1/012003

    Yuan, G., Xie, F., & Tan, H. (2022). Construction of economic security early warning system based on cloud computing and data mining. Computational Intelligence and Neuroscience, 22, 2080840. 

    https://doi.org/10.1155/2022/2080840

     

    Ali, Y., Muhammad, S. (2021). Ports War: Determining Gwadar and Chabahar Ports Trade Attractiveness Using Multi-Criteria Decision Analysis. Iranian Journal of Management Studies, 17(1), 21-35.

     https://doi.org/10.22059/ijms.2023.332673.674803

    Ahmadi, A., & Froughi, A. (2021). The role of Chabahar Port in ensuring security in Iran’s eastern borders (Master’s thesis). University of Tehran. [Persian]

    Averina, I. S., & Buyanova, M. E. (2019). Development of an information-analytical system for monitoring challenges and threats to the economic security of the region. Fundamental Research, 9, 5–10. https://doi.org/10.3390/economies11080208

    Borio, C. E. V., & Lowe, P. W. (2022). Asset prices, financial and monetary stability: Exploring the nexus. BIS Working Paper 114.

    https://ssrn.com/abstract=846305

    Cabinet, Secretariat. (2022). National Security Strategy of Japan (December 2022). Available online: https://www.cas.go.jp/jp/siryou/221216anzenhoshou/nss-e.pdf

     Cooper, A. S. (2011). The oil kings: How the U.S., Iran, and Saudi Arabia changed the balance of power in the Middle East. Simon and Schuster. ISBN 978-1-4391-5517-2.

    Destatis. (2022). Aus- und Einfuhr (Außenhandel): Deutschland, Monate. Retrieved from https://www.destatis.de/DE/Themen/Wirtschaft/Aussenhandel/_inhalt.html#sprg475758

     Döhrn, R. (2019). Sieben Jahre RWI/ISL-Containerumschlag-Index – ein Erfahrungsbericht. Wirtschaftsdienst, 99(3), 224-226.

    https://doi.org/10.1007/s10273-019-2422-z

    Daniels, R. (2013). Strategic competition in South Asia: Gwadar, Chabahar, and the risks of infrastructure development. The Journal of the National Committee on American Foreign Policy, 35(2), 93-100. https://doi.org/10.1080/10803920.2013.776887

    1. (2023). Joint communication on a European economic security strategy. Available online at: https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/PDF/?uri=CELEX:52023JC0020

     Fisher, W. B., Yarshater, E., Gershevitch, I., & Frye, R. N. (1968). The Cambridge history of Iran. Cambridge University Press.

    Grikietytė-Čebatavičienė, J. (2021). Financial security assessment in the European Union countries. In Vilnius University Open Series. Vilnius: Vilnius University Press, 13–19.

    Haidar, S. (2020). Iran drops India from Chabahar rail project, cites funding delay. The Hindu. ISSN 0971-751X.

    Hafeznia, M. (2003). Principles and concepts of geopolitics. Samt Publications. [Persian]

    Hrybinenko, O., Bulatova, O., & Zakharova, O. (2020). Financial indicators in the system of economic security of the world countries. Paper presented at the International Scientific Conference “Business and Management 2020”, Vilnius, Lithuania, May 7–8; 273–281.

    https://doi.org/10.3390/economies11080208

    Husainova, E. A., Urazbakhtina, L. R., Serkina, N. A., & Filina, O. V. (2019). Monitoring tools of regional economic security. E3S Web of Conferences, 124, 05009.

    Khan, K. H. (2023). China-India counterbalancing measures through international corridors and ports: The focus on Chabahar and Gwadar ports. Journal of Liberty and International Affairs, 9(2), 144-163.

    Kumar, S. S. (2021). Applicability of UNCLOS for landlocked states: The case of Chabahar port and Afghanistan. Maritime Affairs: Journal of the National Maritime Foundation of India, 17(1), 58-72. https://doi.org/10.1080/09733159.2021.1939869

    Kordi, A. (2017). Social research methods (4th ed.). Oxford University Press.

    Manyaeva, V. A., Sotskova, S. I., & Naumova, O. A. (2019). Development of methods for monitoring economic security of an economic entity. In Global Challenges and Prospects of the Modern Economic Development (Vol. 57). European Proceedings of Social and Behavioural Sciences, Hong Kong: Future Academy, 1158–1168.

    https://doi.org/10.15405/epsbs.2019.03.117

    Ministry of Justice, Japan. (2022). Act on the promotion of ensuring national security through integrated implementation of economic measures. Available online: https://www.japaneselawtranslation.go.jp/en/laws/view/4523/en

    Molavi, A., Lim, G. J., & Race, B. (2020). A framework for building a smart port and smart port index. International Journal of Sustainable Transportation, 14(9), 686–700. https://doi.org/10.1080/15568318.2019.1610919

    Muhammad, S. (2024). Taliban's outreach to Iran worsens Pakistan's Afghanistan dilemma. The Diplomat.

    Malik, H. Y. (2021). China–Iran Strategic Partnership: Implications for India. Chinese Journal of International Review, 3(2), 2150008 (14 pages).

    https://doi.org/10.1142/S2630531321500086

     

     

    Mirgholami, M. (2021). The Belt and Road Initiative in Iran: Urbanregional dialogue in two corridors and three cities. In S. Sidh, W. Hao, L. Wenqi, H. Sun Sheng, & Q. Bo (Eds.), International Perspectives on the Belt and Road Initiative (pp. 207-225). London: Routledge.

    Mitra, R. (2019). India's Persian desire – analyzing India's maritime trade strategy vis-à-vis the Port of Chabahar. Journal of the National Maritime Foundation of India, 15(1), 41-50. 

    https://doi.org/10.1080/09733159.2019.1625226

    MOFA. (2023). G7 Leaders’ statement on economic resilience and economic security

    https://www.mofa.go.jp/mofaj/files/100506767.pdf

     Rudenko, M. N. (2019). Economic security monitoring of the region (on the Perm Territory example). Development and Security, 3, 25–37.

    https://doi.org/10.3390/economies11080208

    Rudakova, T. A., Sannikova, I. N., & Rudakova, O. Y. (2018). Economic security of the region: Essence, factors, monitoring tools. National Interests: Priorities and Security, 14, 1072–91. 

    https://doi.org/10.3390/economies11080208

    RWI/ISL. (2021). RWI/ISL Containerumschlag-Index, February 2021.

    Sabena, S. (2024). How significant is $35M Taliban-Iran Chabahar port deal? Al-Monitor.

    Rastad, M. (2020). Interview with Head of Iran's Ports and Maritime Organization (PMO). Interviewer: S. B. Ali Asadi Khomami [Personal Interview].

    Rayesinezhad, A. (2021). Iran and the New Silk Road: From Geopolitics of the Road to Diplomacy. Tehran: University of Tehran. (Note: 1400 is the Iranian year, converted to the Gregorian year 2021) [Persian].

    Taghizadeh Ansari, M., & Baghernia, N. (1400 [2021 A.D.]). Māhiyyat-e reqābat-e hen va čin dar hoze-ye jpnub-e āsiyā [The Nature of India and China's Rivalries in South Asia]. Journal of Subcontinent Researches, 13(41), 9-26. 

    https://doi.org/10.22111/JSR.2020.30757.1975

    Singh Roy, M. (2021). Iran: India's Gateway to Central Asia. Strategic Analysis, 36(6), 957-975. 

    https://doi.org/10.1080/09700161.2012.728862

    Panda, J. P. (2021). China's BRI diplomacy: What It Means to India and India's Rise (No. 2021-12). 

    http://hdl.handle.net/10419/2355111

    Johny, S. (2023, May 21). North-South Transport Corridor: Connecting Continents. The Hindu.

    Suh, J., Clark, J., & Hayes, J. (2018). Basic economic security in the United States: How much income do working adults need in each state?

    https://iwpr.org/job-qualityincome-security/basic-economic-security-in-the-united-states/

     The White House. (2017). National Security Strategy of the United States of America (December 2017).

    https://trumpwhitehouse.archives.gov/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/NSS-Final-12-18-2017-0905.pdf]

     The White House. (2022). National Security Strategy of the United States of America (October 2022).

    https://www.whitehouse.gov/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/Biden-Harris-Administrations-National-Security-Strategy-10.2022.pdf

    Xu, S., Chan, H. K., Ch’ng, E., & Tan, K. H. (2020). A comparison of forecasting methods for medical device demand using trend-based clustering scheme. Journal of Data, Information and Management, 1–10.

     https://doi.org/10.1007/s42488-020-00026-y

    Vicziany, M. (2015). EU-India Security Issues: Fundamental Incompatibilities. In P. Winand et al. (Eds.), The European Union and India: Rhetoric or Meaningful Partnership. Cheltenham: Edward Elgar Publishing Limited.

    Yang, Y.-C., & Ge, Y.-E. (2020). Adaptation strategies for port infrastructure and facilities under climate change at the Kaohsiung port. Transport Policy, 97, 232–244. 

    https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tranpol.2020.06.019

    Yang, B., & Mao, J. (2020). Knowledge service model of port supply chain enterprise based on ontology. Journal of Physics: Conference Series. 

    https://doi.org/10.1088/1742-6596/1575/1/012003

    Yuan, G., Xie, F., & Tan, H. (2022). Construction of economic security early warning system based on cloud computing and data mining. Computational Intelligence and Neuroscience, 22, 2080840. 

    https://doi.org/10.1155/2022/2080840

     

Geography
Volume 23, Issue 85
Spring 2025
Pages 143-161