Iran Conditions Joint Free Zone Proposal With Afghanistan and China
Iran’s deputy economy minister says the pursuit of a proposal to create a joint free zone among Iran, Afghanistan and China at the national level is contingent on initial steps being taken by local officials in South Khorasan.
Mehdi Heidari, head of Iran’s Organization for Investment, Economic and Technical Assistance, said on Wednesday during a meeting with the director general of economic affairs and finance in South Khorasan that if the province provides regular information on the plan, investors and related projects, Iran’s Economy Ministry will follow up on the matter in Tehran.
Referring to the importance of Iran’s eastern borders under current conditions, he said the situation could accelerate the implementation of some projects. According to him, plans that previously might have taken several years could now move forward in a shorter period.
Heidari also said that on the Chinese investment side, if there is a specific and serious investor, it would be possible to hold a meeting in Tehran to examine the details of the project, the amount of capital and the investor’s work plan. He added that if investors submit proposals, Iranian officials can seriously pursue the process of facilitation and follow-up on permits.
According to the Iranian official, in such cases it must first be made clear that the investor has a viable plan and sufficient capital, and only then should the issue of permits be pursued. He stressed that once the preliminary steps are in place, he would follow up on the matter at the Economy Ministry and among the relevant bodies.
South Khorasan is one of Iran’s border provinces neighboring Afghanistan, and discussions over the creation of joint trade zones at borders are usually raised with the aim of expanding trade and attracting regional investment.
