Khatami names adviser to run Iran 'sfree-trade zones
TEHRAN, July 21 (AFP) - President Mohammad Khatami has appointed a closea
dviser to head the council overseeing Iran's free-trade zones, which are
to be developed into industrial and offshore banking centers.
Hossein Nassiri, who is also a former director of the official IRNA
news agency, replaces Morteza Alviri, who was named Tehran mayor in June,
as secretary for the high council of free trade zones.
Iran 's three main free-trade zones, the Qeshm and Kish islands in the
Gulf and Shah Bahar port on the Gulf of Oman, are slated to become industrial
and offshore banking hubs.
In December, Iran 's parliament adopted a law on "government guarantees
for foreign investments" in the free-trade zones.
However, investment in the zones is currently no more than 20 million
dollars.
Iran 's powerful, conservative-dominated Expediency Council authorized
Iranian insurance companies Saturday to set up independent offices in free-trade
zones with domestic or foreign investment.
The conservative parliament had already opened the zones to foreign
banking and insurance companies.Nassiri said Iran 's struggling economy
"cannot be put into order by practicing a traditional outlook."
"Steps should be taken towards economic development through employment
of advanced means.
"The Expediency Council's decision will enable the country to experience
"the development and expansion of economicactivities, especially in
the area of export promotion," he said.
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