Dr. Reza Masrour, Secretary of the Supreme Council of Free and Special Economic Zones, in a cordial meeting with economic actors and investors—attended by the Chairman of the Board and the CEO of the Qeshm Free Zone Organization—reviewed existing challenges and emphasized the necessity of reforming processes and providing firm support for wealth creators in the region. During the meeting, economic stakeholders also expressed their concerns regarding taxation, customs, and infrastructure, and Dr. Masrour promised to pursue their demands individually through the relevant legal authorities.
According to the Qeshm Free Zone Media Center, Masrour referred to economic imbalances and challenges arising from currency and subsidy issues, stating that some of these problems stem from past decisions. He noted that under the 14th administration, these issues are now being reviewed with an expert-driven approach and precise decisions are being made. “Our objective is to ensure the proper transfer of the control and oversight chain, minimize negative impacts on production, and, in the long term, implement successful global models,” he said: Reforming Managerial Thinking : The Key to Solving Problems Emphasizing that many economic bottlenecks can be resolved by changing managers’ perspectives, the Secretary stated: “I believe that beyond legal reforms, it is the mindset and approach of managers that must be corrected.
Our view of investors should be that of strategic partners who create wealth, generate employment, and bring foreign exchange to the country. Any narrow-mindedness in free zones is meaningless, and we must create conditions in which economic actors can confidently pursue profitability and expand their activities.”
Call to Attract Investment from Iranians AbroadIn another part of his remarks, Dr. Masrour called on the economic actors present to participate in attracting foreign investment, noting that many capable Iranians in neighboring countries—including the United Arab Emirates—have made substantial investments. “It is the responsibility of the Free Zone Organization and the new CEO to engage directly and create secure and attractive platforms to encourage these compatriots, who care deeply about their homeland, to invest in Qeshm,” he said: He added that economic actors in Qeshm are also expected to act as ambassadors for the region by identifying and inviting individuals who are interested in the country and have the capacity to invest. “We are fully committed to supporting the entry of new capital into the island,” he emphasized.
Promise of a Bright Era for QeshmExpressing optimism about Qeshm’s managerial future, the Secretary of the Supreme Council of Free Zones stated: “Despite the current special conditions, I am confident that this period will pass. With empathy, cooperation, and continuous follow-up, the new era of management in Qeshm will become one of the brightest periods in the region’s history.”
Pursuing the Removal of Value-Added Tax Through Parliament In response to concerns raised by economic actors regarding value-added tax (VAT), Dr. Masrour clarified: “The implementation of this law is not within the government’s authority; it is a parliamentary mandate. Nevertheless, we have drafted an amendment bill with a positive outlook, which is now proceeding through the legal process. We hope that by raising this issue in Parliament for the coming year, VAT will be removed from free zones and their competitive advantage will be restored.” Facilitating the Import of Raw Materials for Production UnitsReferring to the difficulties producers face in importing raw materials, Masrour stated: “It makes no sense for an economic actor in a free zone to be entangled in provincial or other bureaucracies to secure production inputs. We are pursuing a ‘green corridor’ customs agreement for production units so that raw materials can enter the zone without unnecessary formalities. The legal authorities of free zones must
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