Kish Eying Foreign Investment Boom

Kish Eying Foreign Investment Boom

Kish Island, July 28, 2015-Managing Director of Kish Free Zone Organization Dr. Ali Asghar Mounesan says KFZO is now eying significant boost in foreign investment in the Persian Gulf Island following the finalization of nuclear talks between Iran and the P 5+1 group of countries....

Kish Island, July 28, 2015-Managing Director of Kish Free Zone Organization Dr. Ali Asghar Mounesan says KFZO is now eying significant boost in foreign investment in the Persian Gulf Island following the finalization of nuclear talks between Iran and the P 5+1 group of countries.

Dr. Mounesan reiterated that the trade atmosphere in the country has already improved and Kish Free Zone Organization has now focused on attracting more foreign investment in the post-sanctions era.

Dr. Mounesan described boosting tourism and foreign investment in Kish as major priorities topping the agenda of Kish Free Zone Organization.

He pointed to the obstacles facing foreign investment in Kish when Iran was subject to unilateral sanctions over its nuclear program and said an increasing number of foreign trade delegations are visiting the Persian Gulf Island to review investment opportunities there.

Dr. Mounesan described Kish Island as an investment hub in the region and said the Persian Gulf Island is an appropriate option for international companies given its great advantages including tax exemptions, international airport, necessary infrastructure, ports with high capacity, low custom duties and low level of bureaucracy.

Dr. Mounesan said KFZO attaches more significance to the foreign investments which enhance exports of products from the Persian Gulf island. He emphasized that the Kish Free Zone Organization seeks to activate trade in the region and increase its trade volume by boosting export balance.

He said value of total exports from Kish Island increased from 131 million dollars in 2013 (1392 Persian calendar year which starts on March 21) to 171 million dollars in 2014 (1393 Persian calendar year), showing a 30% rise.

He said imports of products into Kish also witnessed a 4.8% decrease in the same period.

The KFZO chairman said investment in Kish Island's industrial section also witnessed a 55% year-on-year increase, with industrial exports from the Persian Gulf island hitting 80 million dollars, showing a 40% increase.

Dr. Mounesan expressed hope that the value of exports from Kish would significantly increase in near future.

PR & Int'l Affairs Department- KFZO