The Honorable Governor of Mazandaran recently announced to the public that the province is on track to become a Free Trade Zone, highlighting the strategic opportunities this transformation will bring. Dr. Younesi-Rostami appeared in a televised interview on Tabarestan Network, where he addressed a series of questions from the people of this green and vibrant province.
He referred to his earlier dissatisfaction with the management of Amirabad Port—a concern he had previously raised directly during a provincial administrative meeting—but emphasized that recent improvements in the port’s operations have now satisfied the provincial administration.
The Governor of Mazandaran also announced the expansion of the Free Trade Zone’s boundaries. Under the authority granted to the Governor’s Office, the zone will no longer be limited to several cities but will encompass the entire province. This decision effectively transforms Mazandaran into a unified Free Trade Zone and, consequently, into an exceptional opportunity for investment, development, and economic growth.
Based on our understanding of the Governor’s public statements, he avoids overly complex language and strives to communicate with clarity and simplicity, ensuring that both citizens and officials receive transparent and accessible information.
In his latest interview, he outlined the key advantages of Mazandaran’s new Free Trade Zone status, the most significant of which are as follows:
Tax Exemptions
Under Article 13 of the Law on the Administration of Free Trade–Industrial Zones of the Islamic Republic of Iran, businesses operating within these zones are exempt from paying direct income and asset taxes for 15 years from the date of issuance of their establishment license. This period was later extended to 20 years to further enhance the zone’s attractiveness for investment.
Such long-term tax exemptions are among the most effective incentives governments offer entrepreneurs, manufacturers, and traders, reducing initial financial burdens and accelerating economic development.
Additionally, goods produced within Free Trade–Industrial Zones and imported into the mainland through customs gateways are exempt from value-added tax (VAT). However, this exemption does not apply to the sale of non-exempt goods within the free zones or the mainland; goods that are inherently subject to VAT remain fully governed by the national VAT regulations.
Vehicle Imports
According to Mehr News Agency, Brigadier General Hassan Moameni, Deputy Chief of Iran’s Traffic Police, announced a new transportation policy for Mazandaran. With the establishment of three Free Trade Zones in Nowshahr, Chapakrud, and Amirabad, the coverage of these zones effectively includes the entire Mazandaran Province. Consequently, residents may now drive Free Zone–licensed vehicles throughout the province.
He emphasized that this policy will simplify services for citizens, reduce concerns related to imported vehicles, and improve transportation safety. Priority in vehicle imports will be given to public transportation fleets, including intra-city, intercity, and agricultural vehicles. A dedicated facility for vehicle registration has also been allocated to the police.
General Moameni described this initiative as an important step toward upgrading transportation infrastructure and improving traffic management across Mazandaran.
The Governor of Mazandaran also commented on the positive impact of foreign vehicle imports, noting that this has been a major demand of the people—especially the youth. He further mentioned discussions with the Governor of Gilan on allowing cross-border free zone vehicles to travel between the two provinces. This dialogue has sparked new hopes for strengthened cooperation between the Mazandaran and Gilan Free Trade Zones and expanded regional economic synergy.
Mazandaran Becomes a Unified Free Trade Zone
With the government’s new decisions, Mazandaran has officially become a Free Trade Zone—a turning point that could reshape the economic landscape of northern Iran. According to the Governor, the initiative aims to create improved conditions for investment, trade, and tourism while ensuring that clear and accessible information is shared with the public.
Looking Ahead
In upcoming posts, we will examine how Mazandaran’s new Free Trade Zone status may influence the real estate market and property prices across the province.