Exports from Aras Free Trade Zone hit $200m last year: CEO
Head of Aras Free Trade Zone Hadi Moqaddamzadeh announced $200 million in exports from the zone last year, saying, “Exports to Azerbaijan last year amounted to $11 million, while imports from Azerbaijan stood at $12,000.”
Speaking to reporters at the Iran Expo 2025 regarding Iran-Azerbaijan cooperation, Moqaddamzadeh said, “The joint conference between the Republic of Azerbaijan and the Islamic Republic of Iran underscores the need to expand these interactions and exchanges across various fields, particularly in trade,” ISNA reported.
When asked whether there is a shared zone with Azerbaijan, he replied, “Given our geographical position and shared borders with Caucasus and Eurasian countries, as well as existing agreements — such as the transit routes connecting Azerbaijan to Nakhchivan, the railway line, and other provisions in the overarching agreement — we have a foundation to leverage these frameworks across multiple sectors.”
“Shared economic processes and mechanisms could be structured within a joint free zone framework, enabling Iranian and Azerbaijani investors to capitalize on opportunities aligned with both nations’ capacities,” he said.
Moqaddamzadeh added that Aras Free Trade Zone boasts unique industrial and agricultural capacities driven by sustainable water resources, as well as significant tourism potential.
Highlighting the $200 million in exports from Aras, he noted, “Exports to Azerbaijan last year (began on March 20, 2024 –1403) totaled $11 million, with imports at $12,000. While trade with Azerbaijan exists at this scale, it remains insufficient given that Aras is one of the most industrialized free trade zones. We must adopt a more investment-focused approach to meet the target markets and needs of our neighboring country.”
He also addressed infrastructure development, saying, “Road infrastructure is fully operational. The free zone has contributed to completing the highway, and the Kalaleh-Jolfa route is a critical asset. Furthermore, connecting the Siyahrood Zone to Kalaleh would integrate east-west and north-south corridors, positioning Aras as the region’s logistics hub.”
Moqaddamzadeh underlined that Aras Free Trade Zone holds unparalleled tourism potential, noting, “In 1404 (began on March 20, 2025), Aras ranked first among free zones based on criteria set by the secretariat of the country’s Organization of Free Trade-Industrial Zones.”
Concluding the press gaggle, he stressed, “We must prioritize infrastructure development. Greater attention should be given to tourism infrastructure, lodging facilities, and streamlining transit by completing road and railway projects.”