World’s Biggest Bank Seeks Kish Branch

Kish Island, January 24, 2016 - The director for the international affairs of the Central Bank of Iran says Industrial and Commercial Bank of China (ICBC) – known the world’s largest bank by total assets – has requested to open branches in Kish Free Zone as well as Iran’s mainland.

According to a report by the Public Relations and International Affairs Department of Kish Free Zone Organization, Yaqoubi Miab said similar requests have also been presented to Iran over the past few days by banks from Austria, Italy and Lebanon.

This, he emphasized, shows that the environment is already prepared for investments in the Iranian economy after the recent removal of sanctions against the country.

“The Central Bank of Iran (CBI) encourages such initiatives [by international banks],” the official added.

The presence of foreign banks will help enhance Iran’s expertise over technical issues relating to the banking and financial services besides many other important advantages, Yaghoobi reiterated.

Iran is expected to become one of the most lucrative investment markets in the world following the removal of sanctions against the country.

The sanctions against Iran were lifted on Saturday, January 16th, following the implementation of a nuclear deal sealed between Tehran and the P5+1 group of countries – the five permanent members of the Security Council plus Germany.

PR & Int'l Affairs Department- KFZO