Speaking at a ceremony honoring Ali Fathi and introducing Hamid Khalili as the new Acting Deputy for Engineering and Infrastructure Development, Shakibi Nasab stated that the success of organizations depends more on the quality of human relations and social capital than on facilities and equipment.
The Deputy Minister of Roads and Urban Development stressed the necessity of respecting employees, the maritime and port community, and economic stakeholders. "Paying attention to stakeholders and providing them with quality services must be a fundamental management principle at all levels of the organization," he said.
Shakibi Nasab emphasized that full operational capacity must be achieved, with all necessary components—including berths, warehouses, staging areas, equipment, and support facilities—integrated into the development process. "No portion of investments should remain underutilized due to missing infrastructure or complementary links," he warned.
The Managing Director also stressed the need for continuous review of executive processes. "Reducing administrative complexity, accelerating decision-making, and preventing unnecessary delays are essential for organizational success in the current environment," he stated.
Highlighting the pivotal role of port directors in interacting with executive bodies, provincial authorities, and economic stakeholders, Shakibi Nasab said the Deputy for Engineering and Infrastructure Development should adopt a supportive approach to facilitate project execution and remove existing obstacles.
Shakibi nasab described the Comprehensive Master Plan for Commercial Ports as the roadmap for port development. "All development programs and projects must be implemented within the framework of this strategic document, though continuous review and updating in line with new conditions and needs is also essential," he noted.
Shakibi Nasab stressed the urgency of preparing necessary port infrastructure. "In some ports, private sector investment is contingent on the availability of basic infrastructure and facilities. Identifying these ports and removing existing obstacles must be prioritized," he said.
"Port capacity development is not achieved solely through construction projects and physical expansion," Shakibi nasab explained. "Process review, regulatory facilitation, improved operational procedures, and reduced service delivery times also play a decisive role in increasing operational capacity. There remains significant potential for productivity improvement in our ports, and this must be a management priority."
Referring to the outsourcing of some port activities to specialized operators, Shakibi Nasab clarified that "outsourcing does not mean transferring responsibility. The PMO remains directly accountable for the quality of services provided to stakeholders. All equipment operating in ports—both government-owned and private sector operators'—must be under continuous monitoring. Any reduction in operational readiness or service interruption must be quickly identified and resolved."
The PMO managing director identified the procurement and modernization of port equipment as a strategic priority. "Planning for the purchase and supply of necessary equipment for ports has begun and will continue with determination to meet the operational needs of the country's ports. Each port requires specialized equipment tailored to its characteristics, capacities, and operational needs. Meeting these needs will play a crucial role in enhancing productivity and the competitive edge of our ports."