ID :
336589
Sun, 07/27/2014 - 11:14
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Free trade zones should lure foreign investment: Iranian VP

TEHRAN,July 27(MNA) – The free trade zones, which enjoy advantages such as tax exemptions and less trade barriers, are expected to be hubs for attracting foreign investment and exporting goods, First Vice President Es’haq Jahangiri told a meeting of the High Council for Free Trade, Industrial and Special Economic Zones. However, Jahangiri said, “It is sometimes noticed that these regions have turned into hubs for importation of consumer goods.” It is necessary to find the causes that why after 5 five-year developments plans “still we have not been able to achieve the targets related to certain free zones,” he observed. So far the free trade zones have not been used properly and it is hoped that after finding the causes behind this problem the government can draw up a proper plan in this regard, he noted. He asked Akbar Torkan, the secretary of the High Council for Free Trade, Industrial and Special Economic Zones, to do the necessary studies for such a problem and present a report to cabinet ministers so that the government work out a plan and make a proper decision in this regard. Some of these free trade areas have developed less in comparison to other regions which do not enjoy such privileges, he stated. The first vice president also pointed to the bill to establish a free trade and industrial zone in Jask, saying that the coasts of Makran and the Sea of Oman will provide a great potential for the country’s progress. He said such regions, despite access to free seas, have been left untapped. However, an order which have been issued by the Supreme Leader for development of the Jask region an opportunity has been created to develop these regions, he added. He added the government of President Hassan Rouhani looks to the Makran coasts and Chabahar Port as unique opportunities for the economic development of the country.

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