The head of the Gorgan Chamber of Commerce said current economic conditions have created a unique opportunity to expand the use of the Incheh Borun Free Trade Zone and Iran’s northern rail corridor, calling for closer cooperation among government agencies to strengthen the trade route.
Speaking at a meeting of Golestan Province’s Non-Oil Export Development Working Group, Amir Yousefi said shifting import patterns had increased the strategic importance of the Incheh Borun border crossing and its rail connections to regional countries and China.
“At a time when the majority of the country’s imports were previously handled through southern borders, the capacities of the Incheh Borun crossing and its rail links have gained greater attention,” Yousefi said. “This has opened new opportunities for economic actors.”
He said many traders and merchants had previously given little consideration to the route but now had greater opportunities to import goods through the rail corridor while benefiting from facilities available in the free trade zone.
Yousefi also highlighted recent progress in the development of infrastructure within the Incheh Borun Free Zone following a recent visit to the area.
“The measures implemented in a short period demonstrate the serious commitment of officials to developing this region,” he said, adding that continued progress could help boost trade and investment across Golestan Province.
The Incheh Borun Free Trade-Industrial Zone, located near Iran's northeastern border, is regarded as a key gateway for rail-based trade with neighboring countries and Asian markets.