TEHRAN – The bill for the official formulation of three free trade zones in the northern Iranian province of Mazandaran has navigated various approval stages and is now officially sanctioned by both the Iranian Parliament and the Guardian Council.

This approval unlocks the potential for harnessing the benefits of the free trade zone across three coastal areas, totaling 1,605 hectares, with the primary goal of stimulating tourism development within the Mazandaran province.

While some experts have expressed reservations about the historical performance of free trade zones in the country over the past thirty years, the approval of the Mazandaran free trade zone marks it as the first decentralized free trade zone in the country. It encompasses three key locations in the province: Amirabad port spanning 1,060 hectares, the coastal stretch from Chapak-Roud in Juybar city to Mirud in Babolsar city covering 461 hectares, and the Noshahr port area with 84 hectares, each without connections to areas beyond their respective port limits.

Authorities in Mazandaran province highlighted that the bill's approval aims to strengthen connections with countries in the Caspian Sea region, fostering new economic opportunities and bolstering the province's standing in the regional economy. The Governor of Mazandaran emphasized that the government's engagement with CIS countries played a pivotal role in establishing these free trade zones, with dedicated efforts to secure approval and robust discussions during supervisory council sessions.

Following the resolution of concerns raised by the Guardian Council, the Mazandaran free trade zones successfully received approval in the concluding stages of the legislative process.

With the approval of this bill, numerous organizations are strategically seizing the opportunity to boost their respective sectors, including tourism and handicraft industries.

Hossein Izadi, the Director-General of Cultural Heritage, Tourism, and Handicrafts in Mazandaran province emphasized the export potential of the province's handicraft products, such as ceramics, wooden goods, and textiles, thanks to the implementation of free trade zones. He highlighted the favorable conditions of the free zones, offering a substantial chance for tax exemptions on exporting Mazandaran's handicraft products, and suggested establishing an organization to support local handicraft producers in response to their export and sales concerns.

Expressing optimism about export and sales plans for handicrafts with the involvement of both foreign and domestic investors in the free trade zones, Izadi mentioned a joint cultural tourism festival to be planned in the near future. He underscored the importance of leveraging maritime services for tourism development and emphasized strategic planning and investment on the coasts.

Highlighting Mazandaran's extensive tourism facilities and millions of visitors, the Director-General outlined the historical capacities of this province, including 2,800 various artifacts, as well as four national and world heritage sites. 

Acknowledging the active role of the handicraft and traditional arts sector in the province, Izadi highlighted the high historical and artistic significance of Mazandaran's handicrafts, particularly in ceramics and traditional textiles. He noted that around 7,000 artists and craftsmen in the province are registered in the country’s licensing system.

Iran’s free trade zone project is intended to create jobs, boost investment, and integrate Iran’s economy.