The conference titled “Unlocking Potential: Reforming Iran's Free Zones” was held at the Center for Development Research and Foresight to discuss the performance of free zones in Iran. The conference was attended by stakeholders from the public and private sectors, including government officials, academics, and businesspeople.

The Deputy for Research and Education at the Center for Development Research and Foresight, Mohammad Ali Roozbahan, stated that free zones are one of the main drivers of development in advanced countries. He cited the example of China, where 75% of exports come from free zones. However, he acknowledged that free zones in Iran have fallen far short of their goals, with only 1% of exports coming from these zones.

Ahmad Jamali, Deputy Economic Secretary of the Supreme Council of Free Trade-Industrial and Special Economic Zones, argued that the problem lies in the concept of free zones in Iran. He said that free zones have been given tasks that are not part of their core mission, such as poverty reduction and cultural activities. He also criticized the lack of a clear governance structure for free zones.

Mohammad Hossein Karim, Professor of Economics at Kharazmi University, as another speaker identified a number of challenges facing free zones in Iran. These challenges include a lack of infrastructure, ineffective laws and regulations, and a mismatch between the goals of free zones and the tools available to achieve them. He also pointed to the negative impact of sanctions on investment in free zones.

Mohammad Alipour Rahmati, the representative of the people of West Azerbaijan (Maku / Chaldoran) and the head of the Free Zones Committee in the Economic Commission of the Islamic Consultative Assembly, defended the overall performance of free zones. He argued that the import-oriented approach of the Iranian economy has also affected free zones, but that they are not solely to blame for the country's import problems. He also pointed to the positive role that free zones have played in the development of remote border areas.

Mohammad Sadegh Mobarhan, Executive Secretary of the Coordination and Cooperation Council of Economic Activists of Free Zones of the country, emphasized the importance of the private sector in free zones. He said that free zones can act as a laboratory for the country's executive laws, and that successful implementation in these zones can be replicated in the rest of the economy.

The meeting concluded with a call for more government and parliament support for free zones. Participants called for the implementation of the law on how to manage free zones, as well as stability in laws. They also called for a clear definition of the role of free zones in the country's development plans.