TEHRAN- Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian stated that the country's development path must be designed based on quality, competitive pricing, environmental preservation, and maximum utilization of clean energy.

Pezeshkian made the remarks on Saturday morning, February 7, 2026, during the inauguration ceremony of development, investment, and tourism projects in free trade and industrial zones, while appreciating the efforts, dedication, and contributions of these zone managers and provincial officials, emphasized the necessity of adopting a strategic, forward-looking, and technology-based approach in developing these zones.

Referring to the importance of properly guiding the development process of free zones, the president said: "What is currently being developed in these zones must be viewed within a regional and integrated framework—one based on advanced technologies, deep foresight, and a strategic and sophisticated structure to outline a clear horizon for each free zone."

Pezeshkian stressed the need for formulating strategic plans for each free zone, stating: "If we lack scientific, expert-based plans for the development of each zone, grounded in competition with successful free zones worldwide, and merely rely on construction without a roadmap, we will ultimately fall behind global developments. The future of these zones is shaped by you, the managers, and the responsibility of charting the path ahead lies with you."

The president added: "The development path must be designed in such a way that the established production and industrial units possess sustainability, competitiveness, desirable quality, and appropriate pricing to compete at regional and global levels, ensuring benefits for the country and its people."

In another part of his speech, Pezeshkian emphasized the importance of considering environmental factors in project implementation, stating: "It is hoped that the spaces created in these zones will be environmentally friendly and make extensive use of solar panels and clean energy, providing a healthy and sustainable environment based on renewable energy for thermal energy, heating, and cooling needs."

The president also expressed hope that this comprehensive, forward-looking, and sustainable approach would pave the way for prosperity, balanced development, and comprehensive progress in free zones and surrounding regions of the country.

MA