Tehran, Iran, July 26
By A. Shirazi - Trend:
The head of Iran Veterinary Organization said Maku Free Trade Zone, which is in West Azerbaijan Province, near the Turkish border, plays a key role in expanding the country’s ties with its neighboring nations.
Trade transactions at border terminals and free trade zones are essential to the development of ties with neighboring nations, Alireza Rafieepour said, ILNA news agency reported on July 26.
He added that the economic zones have direct impact on the lives of people who live in border areas both in Iran and its neighbors.
“Such zones lead to sustainable development both in Iran and its neighbors in regions”, he said.
The head of Iran Veterinary Organization further called on the government to continue to support trade in the areas.
Rafieepour described the Maku trade zone as a strategic hub which has now turned into a corridor for the country’s animal husbandry and meat industries.
Iran Veterinary Organization and Maku Free Trade Zone are resolved to boost their bilateral cooperation in an attempt to address the region’s needs in the fields of meat and other protein products.
Maku Free Trade Zone or MFZ is one of Iran’s least well-known transit points positioned in the west of the country. With just over 20 kilometers (13 miles) from the Turkish border and surrounded by mountains, MFZ has had one of the best historical trading advantages through the ages.
The small town of 44,000 people (2006 census) is separated by Zangmar River, which travels on through the West Azerbaijan province. The designated zone itself encompasses just over 5,000 square kilometers in total – the largest free zone yet.