40% of National Exports Done Via Free and Special Economic Zones
IRAN NEWS ECONOMIC DESK
TEHRAN – Secretary of the Supreme Council of Iran’s Free Trade, Industrial and Special Economic Zones Mr. Bank says some 40 percent of the national exports are done through the country’s free trade zones and special economic zones.
Speaking to IRNA on Thursday, Mr. Bank referred to $169b of exports from these zones during seven years of the Hope and Prudence Government’s life, adding that over 40 percent of the national exports are done via these zones.
He added that some part of essential imports in the country belongs to the free zones and special economic zones, noting that the volume of exports comparing to imports in these zones is very considerable.
Mr. Bank stipulated that statistics show that during seven years of eleventh and twelfth governments, the total imports to the free zones and special economic zones have been around $45b while this figure in the exports sector is around $132b.
The advisor to the president added that regarding $37b of exports to the mainland, the total amount of exports from these zones reaches $169b in the same period.
He further said some currents with negative propagations are trying to hinder the growth of these zones, noting that the figure would have been higher if there had not been the banking limitations due to the sanctions.
He emphasized despite all existing problems, these zones account for 40 percent of total exports of the country.
Mr. Bank added that half of the exports from these zones ae petrochemical products.
On the domestic and foreign investment in the zones, he said getting license is a long procedure which should be observed and it creates headache for this sector but there are many people who are ready to tolerate this bumpy road of getting licence for cooperation in these zones.
