The Iranian government is in the final stages of launching its long-awaited international exchange, a move that could potentially open up the country's financial markets to foreign investors and facilitate cross-border trade. According to Reza Masrour, Secretary of the Free Trade and Special Economic Zones High Council, several free trade zones have expressed their readiness to become shareholders in this new exchange. The establishment of an international exchange has been a long-standing goal for Iran, as it seeks to diversify its economy and reduce its reliance on oil exports. By creating a platform for trading various financial instruments, including stocks, bonds, and derivatives, the exchange aims to attract foreign investment and promote economic growth. One of the key advantages of the international exchange is its potential to facilitate trade between Iran and other countries, particularly those in the region. By providing a regulated and transparent platform for cross-border transactions, the exchange could help to reduce the risks associated with international trade and make it easier for Iranian businesses to access global markets. The involvement of free trade zones in the new exchange is seen as a positive development, as these zones have traditionally played a crucial role in facilitating trade and attracting foreign investment. By becoming shareholders, the free trade zones could help to ensure that the exchange operates in a manner that is conducive to their interests and those of their stakeholders. While the launch of the international exchange is a significant milestone for Iran's financial sector, there are still several challenges that need to be addressed. These include ensuring compliance with international regulations, building trust and confidence among foreign investors, and developing a robust regulatory framework to govern the exchange's operations.