The achievements of Alborz province in the 13th government were evaluated

Exclusive Report by Iran-Canada: In a recent visit to Alborz Province, Professor Akbar Manoussi, President of the Canadian Muslim Coordinating Council, met with senior local officials and toured various infrastructural and educational projects. This visit aimed to assess and evaluate the province’s recent developments and potentials across multiple sectors.

Alborz Province, the 31st province of Iran, ranks as the fourth most populous province with nearly 3 million residents. Covering about 6,000 square kilometers, it is centrally located with its capital in Karaj, nestled at the southern foothills of the Central Alborz mountain range. Despite its relatively small size, Alborz’s proximity to Tehran, favorable climate, and substantial amenities make it a hub for diverse ethnic groups from across Iran. It is a significant industrial and service center with numerous historical and natural attractions, making it a popular tourist destination.

In the first part of the visit, Professor Manoussi held a meeting with Dr. Mojtaba Abdollahi, the Governor of Alborz in the Thirteenth Administration. Dr. Abdollahi presented reports and statistics on the province’s latest developments and advancements.

Dr. Abdollahi highlighted the province’s economic development goals, emphasizing its significant economic exchanges, industrial production, and agricultural outputs. He pointed out key advantages such as a young, skilled, and educated workforce, abundant natural resources and mines, numerous industrial parks with diverse industries including food, pharmaceutical, chemical, and textile sectors, as well as multiple higher education institutions. He asserted that Alborz is on the path to becoming one of Iran’s most advanced and developed provinces.

Professor Manoussi expressed his pleasure with Alborz’s significant progress. He shared insights from various Canadian provinces in urban governance and management, underscoring the importance of utilizing and transferring Canadian knowledge and technology in sectors like construction, urban development, and transportation. He stressed the need for effective and ongoing engagement with Iranian expatriates in Canada to facilitate the realization of Alborz’s potential for job creation, economic growth, and improving the quality of life for its residents.

During his visit, Professor Manoussi toured Alborz’s largest infrastructure project, meeting with Abolfazl Rahmani, the project manager, and technical staff. He praised the efforts of Iranian engineers involved in this monumental project and commended Iran’s significant advancements in civil engineering and urban development.

This project, hailed as the most complex engineering operation in the country and the tallest bridge in the Middle East, is being constructed along the Hemmat Expressway and Karaj Northern Bypass. Upon completion, it is expected to reduce traffic congestion between Tehran and Alborz provinces by over 40%. The bridge spans 1,050 meters in length, with a maximum span of 176 meters and the tallest pier standing at 136 meters. The steel structure’s height reaches 32 meters, with a width of 38 meters. Officials expect the project to be operational before the end of this year.

Professor Manoussi also visited Islamic Azad University, Karaj Branch, where he met with Dr. Hossein Kalantari Khalilabad, the university president, and several faculty members. Dr. Kalantari highlighted the university’s academic and research achievements, noting that it boasts over 150,000 graduates, approximately 30,000 current students, 400 full-time faculty members, 600 lecturers, and 500 staff members. It ranks as the third top unit of Islamic Azad University and holds the 43rd position in Iran according to the SCImago Institutions Rankings. He emphasized the university’s high-quality educational facilities, research centers, specialized laboratories, and distinguished faculty, positioning it among the country’s top educational institutions. Dr. Kalantari welcomed Professor Manoussi’s presence and noted that constructive collaboration with international universities is part of their quality development agenda.

Professor Manoussi commended the university’s scientific efforts and academic achievements. He emphasized the need for scientific and technological cooperation and intellectual exchange at international levels. He highlighted the importance of aligning educational capacities with job market needs by creating new fields of study and joint practical courses. He also stressed supporting international scientific events, student exchanges, inviting distinguished professors, and maintaining ongoing interactions with the global academic community, particularly Iranian scholars abroad.

In conclusion, it was agreed that the two sides would pursue scientific and technological interactions through a joint memorandum of understanding.

According to the Iran-Canada Foundation, Professor Akbar Manoussi’s visit to Alborz is part of his provincial tours as President of the Canadian Muslim Coordinating Council, aimed at enhancing bilateral relations and focusing on establishing joint capacities and expanding scientific, industrial, and economic cooperation between Iran and Canada.