Interview with Mr Jamal Zafari, Vice-Managing Director and Deputy for Economic Affairs of QFZO:

Events: What are the opportunities or incentives that Qeshm Free Zone offers to foreign investors?

Mr Jamal Zafari: Qeshm is situated in the middle of a region that comprises the Persian Gulf states, Central Asia, Caucasia, Iraq, Pakistan and Afghanistan, a region with over half-a-billion population. It offers utstanding
touristic attractions, a strategic position, complete infrastructure facilities that any industry might need etc etc. It also offers:

regulations that make trade and industrial activities easy with a minimum of red tape
full tax exemption for any business established on the Island, for 15 years, with unique advantages after the 15-year period
easy labour regulations
foreign ownership up to 100%
no entry visas required
especial and easy rules and regulations on exports and imports
products manufactured on the Island can be imported, free of duty, to the mainland on the basis of the value added produced on the Island
banking and insurance institutions can be established on the Island with 100% local or foreign capital or as joint ventures
free transfer of foreign exchange through the banking system
easy registration of companies, industrial and intellectual properties; aircraft, ships and other sea vessels,
And, most important of all, the Organization backs up any trade or industrial activity that goes on, on the Island.

E: How do you see the future of tourism on the Island?

JZ: Considering Qeshm’s varied and fascinating natural features, the archeological and historical interests and the sea sport opportunities, I think the prospects are excellent. We have excellent luxury hotels and are building more and more. We are developing parks and green spaces and shopping malls of various types and sizes. And no visa is required for foreign visitors. These are sufficient for the attraction of tourists…, I think.

E: At what stage is the plan for the bridge that is to link the Island to the mainland?

JZ: The feasibility studies have been completed, and we are now trying to secure the financing.

E: How do you think the Island may become one of the country’s major “gateways” for exports and imports?

JZ: The Island already has many industrial units and these are growing in number and capacity. The idea is to produce goods of the highest quality using up-to-date technology, both to satisfy the needs of the mainland and for exports. Furthermore, the Island is an excellent depot for storing export/import goods for and from the
mainland. I am certain that once the infrastructure facilities are completed and the warehouse and production sheds are built and the bridge to the mainland is constructed,… by then Qeshm will be such a “gateway”.