TEHRAN – The head of Iran’s Trade Promotion Organization (TPO) has called for the preparation of trade development plans for the country’s free trade zones, highlighting their potential for economic growth through trade.
Mohammad Ali Dehghan Dehnavi has emphasized the untapped potential of free zones and their ability to bolster trade during a joint meeting with Reza Masrour, Secretary of the Free Zones High Council.
While acknowledging concerns about free zones becoming import hubs, Dehnavi stressed that imports can lead to the development of infrastructure, such as customs facilities and roads, which could transform these zones into production centers.
“Imports and exports are interrelated. By creating the right infrastructure and planning imports in free zones, we can fulfill consumer demand and improve people’s welfare,” Dehnavi stated.
The official underscored the importance of preparing trade development documents tailored to each free zone’s unique strengths.
These plans, he said, would help set quantifiable goals and foster systematic development. He expressed the TPO’s readiness to collaborate with free zones to implement these plans and monitor progress.
He further noted the significance of export growth for addressing import-related challenges, explaining,
“A positive trade balance can resolve many economic concerns. Each free zone can leverage the Eurasian Economic Union agreement to expand trade with neighboring countries, benefiting from reduced tariffs on many goods.”
To mitigate the potential risks of imports, Dehnavi suggested that free zones utilize tools such as hosting international trade exhibitions and forming sister-city partnerships with neighboring regions.
He also emphasized the need for specialized task forces to address trade-related issues and enhance collaboration with neighboring countries.
Tehrantimes
