Iran to Establish Foreign Investment Promotion Agencies Nationwide

TEHRAN (Iran News) Speaking at the “Foreign Investors: Opportunities and Challenges” conference in Mashhad, Heidari announced that the new agencies aim to facilitate licensing, residency, and foreign exchange processes, while providing integrated and investor-friendly services. He said these agencies will play a key role in maintaining the dignity and confidence of foreign investors entering Iran’s markets.

Heidari also highlighted a new resolution passed by Iran’s Foreign Investment Board that allows foreign investors to bring gold into the country as part of their capital contribution. The gold can be traded through the Iran Mercantile Exchange or the Currency and Gold Exchange Center, a move designed to protect investors’ assets while encouraging their participation in productive and export-oriented industries.

“With the establishment of these agencies, many existing obstacles related to permits, residency, and currency transactions will be removed,” Heidari noted. He added that the government plans to delegate more authority to provincial offices, ensuring that investment board meetings will no longer be held exclusively in Tehran but also across various provinces, depending on their economic potential and investment priorities.

Emphasizing equal treatment for domestic and foreign investors, Heidari said that Iran’s foreign investment law is designed to promote fairness and transparency. However, he urged relevant institutions to introduce special incentives, such as dedicated industrial parks for foreign investors, to attract more international capital.

He also called for the continuous development and updating of provincial investment packages, describing them as essential tools for identifying and promoting regional opportunities. “These packages must be regularly reviewed and refined so that they effectively highlight each province’s investment potential,” Heidari said.

The conference, held at Mashhad’s Mellat Complex, was attended by a number of foreign investors. In a Q&A session following his speech, Heidari addressed participants’ questions on topics including certification, SIM card access, residency permits, and other administrative issues related to investment in Iran.