CONTAINER throughput at Iranian ports increased five per cent in the first half, year on year to 1,342,672 TEU, according to Iranian Transport and Urban Development Ministry data, reports the Tehran Times.

Some 81 million tons of commodities were loaded and unloaded in the ports in the first half against 76 million tons in the first half the year.

While Iran suffered US sanctions, the country's ports played a significant role as import and export hubs.

This has encouraged the government to develop ports and encourage investment is that sector, in addition to facilitating the loading and unloading capabilities.