Iran president's advisor for free and special economic zones stated here on Saturday that 23 new special economic zones will be established by Friday this week.
"The parliament approved the establishment of the zones last month," Mahmoud Salahi said, adding, "The zones will be established in underprivileged regions across the country in order to create jobs for the local population and prevent them from emigration," IRIB reported on Saturday.
Sixteen special economic zones have been established in Iran so far, including the ones in Assaluyeh, Salafchegan, and Mahshahr. Several free trade zones have also been created in Qeshm and Kish islands, as well as in Chabahar, Aras, Arvand, and Anzali.