Bazargan - The joint Iran-Türkiye border trade center at the Bazargan crossing point in western Iran is on the verge of reopening following a long hiatus, with major restoration work now nearing completion, a move expected to revitalize cross-border commerce and generate employment on both sides.

 

Mohammadreza Abdollahnejad, advisor to the Maku Free Zone Organization, said the facility originally operated as the "Sari Su" border market from 1988. In 2014, the Turkish side renovated its section, which currently features 148 stalls ready for operation.

 

“Although the center was initially slated to launch in 2018, the opening was postponed due to various reasons. The site has since been transferred to the Maku Free Zone Organization, which has invested around $1 million in rehabilitation efforts.”

 

The official emphasized that the center's vision extends beyond operating retail stalls, it aims to establish a sustainable trade corridor between the two nations.

 

With continued cooperation from Turkish authorities, he expressed hope for a swift inauguration, anticipating the creation of thousands of jobs and a significant boost in bilateral trade and economic cooperation, he said.