According to the Public Relations and International Affairs of the Kish Free Zone Organization, Mohammad Kabiri on the evening of Thursday, 22 Mordad, first visited the Baghu village and then the old Safin neighborhood, met and spoke with a group of the island’s natives, and was directly informed of their issues, demands and suggestions in the economic, livelihood, housing, fuel, trade and tourism sectors.
In these meetings, the natives, while expressing their views and demands, presented proposals and solutions to improve economic conditions, boost businesses and enhance the island’s tourism capacities. Some of the matters raised were addressed on the spot and the CEO of the Kish Free Zone Organization issued the necessary orders to the relevant deputies and departments to examine and follow up on other cases.
Mohammad Kabiri, expressing his pleasure at being among them, considered the natives the rightful owners of Kish Island and said: Being among the natives and hearing their views, concerns and demands directly is a valuable opportunity and we will strive to continue these intimate meetings and dialogues at different times so that the issues raised can be examined and pursued within the framework of existing capacities and authorities.
Referring to the economic conditions resulting from the recent imposed war, he added: these conditions imposed limitations on the island’s economic activities and businesses, especially the native community; nevertheless, one of Kish’s honors is that the island’s natives remained in their land at this time and did not leave Kish.
The CEO of the Kish Free Zone Organization stated: this companionship, steadfastness and attachment of the natives to the island deserve appreciation and the Kish management collective is obliged to implement planned programs to restore prosperity, create grounds to strengthen businesses and compensate part of the economic effects created.
Kabiri continued, referring to fuel as one of the issues raised in these meetings: with coordination made with the Ministry of Petroleum, the issue in this area has been resolved to a considerable extent and, if necessary, further follow-ups and coordination will continue to fully eliminate it.
He also referred to the approval of the sailor procedure (boat goods) for Kish Island and said: this procedure provides a suitable capacity for developing commercial activities and strengthening the island’s economy and the necessary explanations regarding how to benefit from this opportunity have been presented to the natives. It was also decided that the natives and related activists would be familiarized with the details and how to use this capacity in a meeting with customs managers.
The CEO of the Kish Free Zone Organization said that the first practical step to utilize this capacity will be taken from next Tuesday and added: in the short term, capacity of active lighters in other regions of the southern coasts of the country can be used and subsequently the grounds for obtaining the necessary permits for operating a sufficient number of lighters in Kish Island itself will be provided.
Kabiri noted: it is predicted that within the next year Kish will be able to obtain the required permits in this area and, by creating appropriate capacity, will make broader use of this opportunity to boost trade and strengthen the island’s economy.
In another part of his remarks he referred to housing and accommodation of the natives and said: appropriate discussions were held in this regard and capacities that had been previously foreseen in the field of worker accommodation, various 30-year long-term lease models and participatory methods were reviewed. The possibility for natives to use these capacities was also raised so that they may benefit from them if they wish.
The CEO of the Kish Free Zone Organization expressed hope that with the swift implementation of economic boom packages and the planned housing programs, more natives will be able to benefit from these capacities. He then thanked the patience and cooperation of Kish’s natives.
Kabiri also, explaining the planned programs for the Kish Summer Festival, stated: the necessary planning for holding this festival has been done and measures have been taken to provide the required resources for paying tourism facilities, holding specific events and providing festival prizes.
Referring to the importance of increasing flight capacity for broader implementation of tourism programs, he added: the remaining issue is the possibility of increasing flights from Mehrabad Airport and other origin airports and also the existing air defense limitations in the south of the country. These limitations do not pertain to Kish International Airport and that airport is ready to receive more flights.
The CEO of the Kish Free Zone Organization emphasized: as soon as the air defense limitations are lifted by the responsible bodies, there is readiness to quickly increase the number of flights from various origins and Tehran, Isfahan, Shiraz, Tabriz, Mashhad and Yazd are among the origins considered for increasing flights.
Kabiri added: whether the possibility to increase flights is provided in the coming days or this condition is met in Shahrivar, Kish is fully prepared, with the participation of the private sector, natives and Kish residents, to host compatriots in the framework of a large festival.
Referring to last year’s successful experience, he noted: with participation, coordination and synergy of all sectors we can repeat this experience and create grounds to further strengthen the island’s tourism and economic boom.
In continuation of these meetings, Sheikh Yaqub Shams, Sunni Friday Prayer Leader of Kish, referring to the coincidence of this program with the beginning of the month of Rabiʿ al-Awwal, called these days auspicious and blessed and said the presence of the CEO of the Kish Free Zone Organization among the natives was a source of encouragement for the native community.
He said: in these meetings some of the issues and demands of the native community were raised with the CEO of the Kish Free Zone Organization and promises and decisions were made regarding the follow-up of the matters in question.
The Sunni Friday Prayer Leader of Kish, emphasizing the historical and social status of the natives, added: the natives are the identity card of Kish Island, people who have lived on this island for many years and have played a role in its preservation and protection.
Sheikh Yaqub Shams, referring to the natives’ remaining on the island during the recent imposed war, noted: in those conditions none of the natives left Kish and they stayed in their land; because this island is their homeland and they do not consider any place other than Kish their home.
He emphasized: the native community of Kish has always stood by the island at different times and just as in the past they did not abandon Kish, they will remain committed to preserving, staying with and accompanying this land.
These meetings were accompanied by an emphasis on maintaining direct communication with the native community, pursuing the raised demands and proposals, and utilizing the natives’ views and capacities in the path of strengthening economic boom and developing Kish Island’s tourism.