Iran, Pakistan Agree to Establish Joint Free Zone
“There are 18 free zones and 79 special zones in Iran, of which two are free zones. And there is a special area in Sistan and Balouchestan province near the border with Pakistan which is a suitable platform for cooperation between the two countries,” Jamali said.
“We have agreed with the Pakistani side for setting up a joint free zone at the joint borders," he said, adding, " The joint free zone can help both sides increase their exports."
“Several meetings have been held to this end and possibly, we will be able to announce the creation of a joint free zone in the next few months,” Jamali said.
Jamali had announced in April that establishing joint free zones with the neighboring states is atop the agenda in the current administration in Tehran.
He added that the Secretariat has considered the establishment of free zones with neighboring countries as its legal obligation is aimed at production growth and more productivity from abundant capacities and potentials existing in the country.
Accordingly, Iran submitted its request to the officials of 18 neighboring states for the establishment of joint free zones, and all of these countries welcomed the proposal, he stated.
To date, Russia, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Syria, Iraq and Turkey have agreed with Iran’s proposal of setting up joint free zones, Jamali said.
4155/ Azra Varasteh
