Page 510 - 6 Persian Trade rep BUSHIRE 2_Neat

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The high cost of imported goods places them almost t>
the reach of the local population which earns a som
precarious living from casual employment. Their lot will,
ever, be to some extent alleviated when the projected
spinning and weaving mill takes definite shape.
Opium shipments for the period January-November,-
amounted to 1,037 cases most of which went to the Far
This compares with a total of 2,658 cases for the precedi
months. The reason for the decline appears to be the hig
of the opium rather than lessened demand.

Imports.—These amounted to CoJ million rials in 19
compared with 78 million rials in 1933-34. During the p
January-October, 1936, there were imported 75,168 pac
of sugar (crystal and loaf); piece goods 6,178 packages, ra^
2,015 packages, cement 26,115 packages, tea 18,404 paci
general merchandise 30,049 packages. These figures sh
large increase over those for 1935 in the case of cement
and general merchandise, but nearly all of it is in transit thi
Bushire.

Exports.—In 1934-35 these amounted to 44J million
being practically the same as in 1933-34.
During the period January-October, 1936, there were exp
1,764 bales of tobacco; 18,294 packages of gum tragac<
1,529 bundles of carpets; 1,615 packages of skins. 1
figures compared with those for 1935 do not show any apj
able change except as regards tobacco, of which there w<
export through Bushire in 1935.

III.—KHORRAMSHAHR.
General.—Situated in the Shatt-al-Arab at the head o!
Persian Gulf, Khorramshahr (lately Mohammerah) has be<
the chief port of Iran. It is important as a distributing o
from which the bulk of imports arc forwarded into the inter
Steamers are unable to come alongside the jetty, but disch
cargo into barges which convey it ashore.
Transport.—In wet weather only river transport is poss
In dry weather motor transport has replaced animal trans]
except for short distances. Average rates for transport beri
Khorramshahr and the inland town of Ahwaz during the
were: river (24-36 hours) 20-25 rials Pcr ton; motor trails
(6-7 hours) 80-120 rials per ton.

Imports and Exports.—Imports in 1934-35 amounted to a:
123 million rials in value, compared with nearly 134 millio

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