According to Shada, Morteza Zakerian delivered the report during the online session, where provincial managers from across the country participated.

Zakerian highlighted the strategic rationale behind the project, citing the region’s geopolitical position and access to East-West and North-South transit routes, the expansion of non-oil exports and added value of local products, attraction of foreign investment and technology transfer, creation of sustainable employment for border residents to reduce forced migration, and the development of logistics, warehousing, and transportation infrastructure.

He further emphasized strengthening economic and social security along the borders, enhancing Iran’s role as a regional economic hub, boosting trade cooperation with neighboring countries, optimizing the use of natural resources and shared regional mines, and leveraging the availability of low-paid and low-skilled labor.

The Director General outlined five strategic objectives of the project: linking three complementary economies, transforming eastern Iran into a new growth hub, connecting to China’s Belt and Road Initiative, attracting foreign investment, and diversifying the country’s trade routes.