Tasnim � Tehran will host a conference on development of Makran, a stretch of coast southeast of Iran emerging as a major naval base and commercial hub of maritime trade, the Iranian defense minister announced.

Speaking to reporters on Saturday, Brigadier General Amir Hatami said the major conference on investment opportunities in Makran and sustainable development of the coastal area will be held in Tehran in the Iranian month of Esfand, which falls in February and March.

The conference would provide a great opportunity for domestic and foreign private sector investors to know about the unique options available in the region in the oil and gas industry, transportation, tourism and urban development, he added.

The strategic Makran region has attracted the attention of many Iranian decision-makers and military officials, particularly after Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyed Ali Khamenei stressed the need for development of the region.

In 2014, in a meeting with high-ranking Navy commanders, Ayatollah Khamenei said the issue of development of the coasts of Makran is a major task and plans for that region should be carried out more rapidly.