June 6,�The Iran Project � Iran�s south eastern Chabahar port, as a gateway for the country�s development, connects Iran and Central Asian countries to free waters, says an official.

Speaking to a reporter on Tuesday, Behrooz Aghaei, secretary general of Ports and�Maritime of Sistan-Baluchestan�Province stressed Chabahar�s special position in the shipping and marine transportation compared to other coastal areas in southern Iran.

Having�deep waters�is comparatively one of the advantages of�Chabahar that provides a proper condition for the large ships to dock in �this area, Aghaei added.

He also said that Chabahar, as the closest port to Afghanistan, Pakistan and Central Asian countries, is the most economical port for trade exchanges due to the discounts and exemptions intended for the goods transit and export.

The Iranian port of Chabahar is the only way for the development of Iran�s eastern region, he stated, adding after the completion of the rail, port, air and road infrastructures, the strategically-located port will play an important role in the progress of Sistan and Baluchistan province.

Iran's only ocean port, Chabahar, is located next to the Gulf of Oman and at the mouth of the Strait of Hormuz. It is the only Iranian port with direct access to the Indian Ocean.

Located in close proximity to Afghanistan and the Central Asian countries of Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan, it has been termed as the Golden Gate to these landlocked countries.