Azerbaijan, Baku, April 18 / Trend T. Jafarov /
The Bilasuvar border checkpoint will work around the clock, Iranian ambassador to Azerbaijan Mohsen Pakayin said, the Iranian embassy in Azerbaijan reported today.
He said the town of Bilasuvar(Iran) and the border checkpoint will turn into a free economic zone.
"Bilasuvar will become a part of the Araz Free Economic Zone," he said. "An agreement has already been reached with the management of the Free Economic Zone."
After Bilasuvar (Iran) turns into the free economic zone, the operation period of the border checkpoint will increase and operate around the clock, he said.
Pakayin also stressed that relations between Iran and Azerbaijan are constantly developing.
"Some individuals are trying to harm the development of relations between Azerbaijan and Iran. However, relations between the two countries are based on deep cultural roots and continue developing," he said.
The Araz Free Economic Zone, established nine years ago in Julfa on the border between Iran and Azerbaijan covers 53,000 hectares. The zone starts from the town of Julfa and runs through the villages of Khudaferin, Jananlu and Gulubeyli. The area of Julfa is 21,000 hectares. The biggest part of the zone covering 33,000 hectares is located in the Gulubeyli-Khudaferin region.
Companies operating in the Araz Free Economic Zone are exempt from taxes and duties for 20 years. This also concerns foreign businessmen. Some Azerbaijani entrepreneurs have invested in the zone's enterprises.
The procedures for rendering services to passengers, businessmen and entrepreneurs will be simplified. The potential for economic and trade activity will be strengthened at Bilasuvar, he said.
Besides the Bilasuvar border checkpoint, others operate between the two countries in Astara and Julfa.
Iran unilaterally abolished the visa regime for Azerbaijani citizens from February 1, 2010.