TEHRAN – Iran’s free trade and special economic zones are ready to attract investment from countries of the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS), a senior official said on Monday.

The comments were made at a conference in Tehran aimed at expanding international exchanges and cooperation between Iran’s free zones and CIS member states, attended by ambassadors from CIS countries and chief executives of Iran’s free zones.

Reza Masrour, secretary of the Iranian Free Zones High Council, said Iran’s free zones have the capacity to host foreign investment and offer significant employment opportunities. He added that the zones are also prepared to receive tourists, citing their potential in the tourism sector.

Iran has established several free trade and special economic zones across its border regions and coastal areas, offering incentives such as tax exemptions, simplified customs procedures and eased regulations for foreign investors. The zones are intended to boost exports, attract capital and promote regional trade links.

Key free zones include Kish and Qeshm islands in the Persian Gulf, as well as Chabahar on the Gulf of Oman, which Iran has positioned as a strategic hub for trade with Central Asia, South Asia and Russia. Other zones are located along Iran’s northern borders, providing access to the Caucasus and Central Asian markets.

Officials have said closer cooperation with CIS countries could help expand transit, manufacturing and logistics activities in these zones, particularly along regional corridors linking Iran to Russia and Central Asia.

Representatives from Russia and Belarus, as well as Azerbaijan and five Central Asian countries—Turkmenistan, Armenia, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan—took part in the event.

EF/MA