Iranian President Approves Plan for Free Trade-Industrial Zone Between Afghanistan, China and Iran

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has approved a plan to establish an international free trade-industrial zone between Iran, Afghanistan and China, according to Morteza Zakarian, head of economic affairs for South Khorasan province in Iran.

Zakarian stated that the plan was confirmed during a meeting of the province's planning council. The proposed zone is to be located at the Dogharoun border crossing with Iran, Bakhtar News reported, citing Iranian media. Zakarian said the initiative would boost export and import capacities, create jobs for border residents of Iran and Afghanistan, facilitate technology transfer and strengthen economic infrastructure.

Pajhwok Afghan News, citing Iran's IRNA news agency, reported Zakarian as saying the zone would also enhance sustainable employment for border residents and bolster economic and security infrastructure in South Khorasan. He noted that Afghanistan and China have expressed readiness to participate and provide financial resources.

Zakarian emphasized that the three countries possess complementary capacities in terms of land area, population, production potential and economic standing, enabling the creation of a powerful international free trade zone. Bakhtar News added that the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan has been seeking diverse markets to meet domestic needs and export local products, particularly after halting trade with traditional partner Pakistan.