Introduction to Mechanisms and Benefits of Partnership with Foreign Investors

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The Organization for Investment, Economic and Technical Assistance of Iran (OIETAI), recognized as the national investment promotion agency, was established in 1975 under the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Finance to attract and support foreign investments.

Iran, with nearly 70 years of legal experience in supporting foreign investment (since the enactment of the Foreign Investment Promotion and Protection Act in 1955), is one of the most experienced countries in this field. The Foreign Investment Promotion and Protection Act (FIPPA), ratified in 2002, offers one of the most comprehensive legal frameworks for foreign investors compared to other countries in the region.

OIETAI is recognized as the sole official authority for promoting and handling all matters related to foreign investment in Iran. All its services—before, during, and after the investment process—are provided free of charge in accordance with FIPPA and its executive by-laws.

To facilitate, support, and accelerate investment and to implement the organization's mandates at the provincial level, Investment Services Centers have been established in all 31 provinces of the country. Headed by the Governor and deputized by the provincial Director General of Economic Affairs, these centers support and guide foreign investment throughout all stages, including feasibility studies, site selection, licensing, and implementation, in compliance with existing laws and regulations.

Advantages of Partnership with Foreign Investors

  • Provision of financial resources for project development, including launching new projects through foreign investors.
  • Transfer of technical knowledge, management expertise, and modern technology to local companies by foreign partners.
  • Possibility of partnership without the need to transfer shares, using contractual arrangements, and development of new markets and export channels through foreign investors.
  • Potential for joint investment along the value chain, both upstream and downstream, and benefiting from related profits.
  • Ability to transform existing trade relationships with foreign buyers and sellers into strategic partnerships and joint ventures.
  • Access to raw materials and machinery through foreign investment contributions.
  • Eligibility for tax incentives in case of production under a well-known foreign brand ( Article 132 of the Direct Tax Act).
  • Joint projects can be covered and supported by OIETAI and provincial Investment Services Centers throughout all investment phases.
  • Access to benefits under FIPPA and its executive by-laws, including visa issuance, residence permits, and work permits for foreign managers and experts, along with other legal protections.
  • Opportunity to utilize foreign investors’ capabilities in implementing innovative, knowledge-based, and internationally experienced projects.

OIETAI Services to Foreign Investment Seekers (Investment Recipients)

  • Training on identifying and presenting investment opportunities, how to prepare a summary sheet and complete project introduction forms suitable for foreign investors.
  • Creating investment opportunity packages across various sectors in Iran for presentation to foreign investors.
  • Leveraging economic diplomacy and internal/external government resources to connect with leading global companies as potential investors.
  • Organizing and hosting meetings and negotiations between domestic companies and foreign investors, while introducing legal incentives and protections for foreign investment.
  • Approved project proposals are included in international marketing processes, such as:
    • Listing in the national online database of investment opportunities, accessible by domestic and international economic actors, consulting firms, foreign embassies in Iran, and Iranian missions abroad.
    • Presentation at exhibitions, conferences, and other specialized events, both domestic and international.
    • Proposing projects to foreign economic actors who approach the organization seeking investment opportunities.
    • Sharing investment opportunities during meetings with foreign investors and through bilateral cooperation with investment promotion agencies of other countries.
    • Exchanging opportunities with member countries of regional and multilateral pacts such as BRICS, Shanghai Cooperation Organization, ECO, D-8, IORA, and others.
    • Including projects in proposed packages during negotiations between Iranian and foreign officials.
    • Collaborating on project-specific marketing campaigns using OIETAI’s international network to reach potential foreign investors.
    • Allowing project owners to personally participate in presenting and pitching their project at any of the mentioned stages.
  • And many other methods of presenting investment opportunities to foreign economic actors.