Speaking at a meeting with officials from the Kish Free Zone Organization, Madanizadeh urged swift completion of the national “Free Zone Transformation Plan,” recommending the use of international consultants to finalize and implement the strategy.
He emphasized the importance of operationalizing unnamed investment projects outlined in the plan, stating, “Think big- this is how we achieve the $10 billion goal.”
The minister also referenced six major national projects under the Ministry of Economy, requesting tailored versions for free zones in general and Kish Island in particular.
Madanizadeh proposed transforming Kish into a regional hub for technology and innovation, suggesting that the island could attract domestic and international talent, especially those who find conditions in mainland Iran less conducive to their work.
He envisioned the creation of a full innovation ecosystem on Kish, where leading tech companies and top universities could be concentrated, going beyond digital economy initiatives.
Highlighting the need for differentiated governance, Madanizadeh said that free zones should offer a distinct administrative experience compared to other regions in Iran. “If we’re serious about national reform, free zones must lead the way,” he stated. “You have the capacity, and in your domain, you should operate like a president.”