TEHRAN- Iran plans to establish new free trade zones (FTZs) with the aim of boosting exports to the neighboring countries, said Iranian Senior Presidential Advisor Akbar Torkan.

The official said Iran’s Free and Special Zones Council is determined to set up new export terminals, the Mehr News Agency reported on Sunday.

Torkan further referred to establishment of Shalamcheh and Maku export terminals in the current Iranian calendar year, which began on March 21, 2015, and announced that Sarakhs export terminal is under construction.

Aras Free Zone is also under development, he added.

The official went on to say that Mehran, Baneh-Marivan and Ardebil Free Zones are planned to be established for boosting exports to Iraq, Iraqi Kurdistan and Azerbaijan, respectively.

He also said that Inche-Boroun Free Zone is planned to be set up to elevate Iran’s exports to Kazakhstan and Turkmenistan.

Referring to Jask Free Zone as the country’s second export terminal, Torkan said this zone is planned to organize oil exports from the Gulf of Oman.

In July 2015, Iranian President Hassan Rouhani said that after the lifting of sanctions a situation should be created for free trade zones to immediately move toward attracting domestic and foreign investment and turn into hubs for exports.  

The FTZs should also turn into centers for production of goods for which there are demands for export, Rouhani said.  

To do so the best commercial services commensurate to international standards in banking, insurance, and transportation should be provided, the president said, adding that the ground should be prepared to produce value-added commodities through employing advanced technology with the least amount of red tape. 

MA/