The Aras Free Economic Zone in northwestern Iran views cooperation with neighboring countries not only within the framework of border trade, but also as a basis for broader economic partnership and investment attraction. Dr. Hadi Moghadamzadeh, chairman of the Board of Directors and CEO of Aras Free Zone Organization, stated this while speaking at the ARMENIA EXPO international exhibition in Yerevan, the capital of Armenia.

According to Moghadamzadeh, participating in this exhibition in Armenia provides an opportunity to directly discuss with business representatives the prospects for the development of trade and economic ties between Iran and neighboring countries. At the same time, Moghadamzadeh attached particular importance to the geographical location of the Aras Free Economic Zone. Located in northwestern Iran, in the immediate vicinity of Armenia, it, according to him, can become a suitable platform for the development of regional economic cooperation due to its geographical and geopolitical advantages. Aras has significant potential in several domains at once. As Moghadamzadeh noted, the zone is one of the largest industrial economic centers of Iran, but its capacity is not limited to industrial production.

Among the promising sectors, he mentioned agriculture, logistics, energy, and tourism. In particular, there are large agricultural facilities in the region, including one of the largest greenhouse complexes in the region. The geographical location of the zone, according to the head of the organization, also creates favorable conditions for the development of logistics projects and the expansion of economic ties between countries.

Moghadamzadeh pointed to tourism, too. The territory of the Aras Free Economic Zone has a significant historical and cultural heritage, which opens up additional opportunities for investment and the development of tourism infrastructure.

At the same time, the Iranian side proposes to abandon the exclusively commercial approach in relations with neighbors. As per Moghadamzadeh, this is about creating a new architecture of economic cooperation, within the framework of which countries will be able to use each other's capabilities to implement joint projects.

“We [i.e. Iran] look at relations with our neighbors in a broader sense than just border trade. We are moving towards economic partnerships with friendly and neighboring countries,” Moghadamzadeh said.

Speaking about the prospects for cooperation with Armenia, Moghadamzadeh stressed the importance of the two countries’ proximity and expressed his willingness to develop ties with Armenian businessmen and investors.

“Borders are not lines dividing countries, but bridges that can contribute to their unification and strengthening of ties,” Hadi Moghadamzadeh noted.