According to the Public Relations Department of the Payam Special Economic Zone and International Airport, First Vice President Mohammad Reza Aref, alongside ICT Minister Sattar Hashemi, toured the Payam booth. During this visit, Mohsen Hasanlou, Advisor to the ICT Minister and CEO of Payam Special Economic Zone and International Airport, presented a report on the organization’s recent development progress and key strategic initiatives.
Boosting Power Capacity to Support Investment
Addressing the region’s energy infrastructure, Hasanlou stated: Over the past 30 years, Payam had received a total of 28 MW of power from the national grid. However, in the last eighteen months, we have added 30 MW to this capacity. He linked this expansion directly to the surge in investment and industrial growth, noting that these upgrades, pursued with the support of the Minister of ICT, have paved the way for new investors to operate in the region.
Growth in Land Allocation and Investment Contracts
Providing an update on investment trends, the CEO stated: Over the past three decades, approximately 230 hectares of land were allocated to investors, with 80 hectares finalized in the recent period alone. Hasanlou continued: Of the 440 investment contracts signed in Payam’s 30-year history, 100 were concluded recently, 64 of which were specifically in the ICT and digital economy sectors. He highlighted that this momentum positions Payam as a vital platform for the development of the digital economy and technology-driven enterprises.
Payam Reaches Profitability After 30 Years
Hasanlou also announced a historic milestone: After 30 years, the Payam aviation services company has reached profitability for the first time in the recent period. He noted that this achievement is particularly significant given the economic challenges facing the country, proving the zone’s resilience and its effectiveness in sustaining development and investment attraction.
Development of Air Transport Infrastructure
The CEO cited the expansion of air transport infrastructure as another key priority, stating: While this sector required greater attention in the past, recent efforts have successfully focused on activating and completing existing capacities. He added that Payam is now on the verge of launching scheduled domestic and international passenger and cargo flights, which will unlock new opportunities for regional economic, commercial, and logistics activity.
57% Progress on Specialized ICT Customs
Regarding the long-awaited specialized ICT Customs, Hasanlou stated: Creating this facility was a critical requirement for the development of ICT companies in Payam that had been neglected for years. He added that the project has now achieved 57% physical progress and is scheduled for inauguration on February 11th. He emphasized that this customs facility will streamline the import and export of technology goods and solidify Payam’s role in the nation’s digital economic chain.
Expanding Solar Energy Capacity
Highlighting progress in renewable energy, Hasanlou added that 35.5 MW of solar power generation capacity has been integrated into the region’s infrastructure. He concluded by reiterating that the development of energy capacity, investment attraction, the expansion of ICT and digital economy activities, aviation development, and the specialized ICT Customs form the core of Payam’s strategic development program. During the visit, the First Vice President and the ICT Minister reviewed the zone’s plans to support investors and bolster infrastructure for industrial and technology firms.