Afghanistan, July 27 -- Iran is pursuing a proposal to establish a joint free trade and industrial zone with Afghanistan and China, an Iranian provincial official said on Sunday, as Tehran seeks to expand regional economic cooperation, attract foreign investment and strengthen trade links.
Morteza Zakarian, director-general of economic and financial affairs for South Khorasan province, said administrative procedures for the proposed zone were underway, citing the three countries' geographic, economic and transit potential.
Zakarian said the proposal was first presented to Iran's president by the governor of South Khorasan in December last year. The plan aims to expand economic cooperation through private-sector investment, particularly fr...