The MOU was signed to Tehran by Bekzod Kholmatov, Director of Strategic Policy, Ministry of Transport, Uzbekistan, and Kazem Salehi, Director of Transit, Logistics and Agreements for Iranian Ports and Maritime Organizations (PMO). The signature took place in front of Iran’s Minister of Roads and Urban Development Farzanesadegu. Erkam McCamoff, Uzbekistan’s Minister of Transport. Saeid Rasouli, Deputy Minister of Roads and Urban Development and Managing Director of PMO.
Private sector Eyes Logistics hub of Uzbekistan, Iran
The deal outlines plans to explore the development of a dedicated terminal and logistics centre by Uzbek investors in the backcountry of Shahid Rajaye Port, Iran’s largest commercial and container port in Hormozgan province.
The two countries have pledged to promote the necessary regulatory permits and operational frameworks to support private sector participation from Uzbekistan in the port development project.
Field visit to Shahid Rajaee Port
After the signature, Minister Mackamov led the Uzbek delegation on a site visit to Shahid Rajae port, accompanied by Said Rasoli and senior officials from the PMO. The tour included key infrastructure such as a maritime traffic control tower, container terminal 2, automatic warehouses and a vast 2,400 hectares of logistics zone at the port.
During the visit, McCamov pointed to visible progress and investment possibilities, highlighting the strategic role of ports in regional trade.
Joint meetings create roadmap for cooperation
A bilateral meeting was held between the Minister of Transport Uzbekistan and the leadership of the PMO to discuss roadmap for transportation cooperation and co-investment. The session also included representatives from private logistics and shipping companies in both countries.
Saeid Rasouli affirmed Iran’s preparations to turn the MOU into a binding agreement, highlighting Tehran’s broader policies to strengthen economic ties with local neighbours.
He emphasized that Iran is waiting for the appointment of Uzbek companies to begin investment talks, noting the possibility of establishing a joint venture to manage and operate the proposed facility.
Commitments from both the public and private sectors
Rasorli highlighted the serious intentions of both government and private stakeholders to deepen commercial cooperation. “The port development project is being carried out by the private sector and the government is there to support it,” he said.
He said that direct involvement in Uzbekistan’s Shahid Rajaee port is pointing out that Iranian officials are ready to respond to all Uzbek’s proposals and look into the overall investment plan.
Minister Uzbek: I was impressed by the potential of a port.
Minister Mackamov described the field visit as “excellent” and said Uzbekistan witnessed the growth and potential of the port. He expressed hope for an increase in collaboration, saying that the private sector in Uzbek is eager to invest in the Shahid Rajaee port.
During the closing session, private companies from both countries presented their specialties and discussed joint ventures and investment opportunities at Shahid Rajaee Port.
This article was first published by Iran’s Ministry of Roads and Urban Development.