The initial purpose of the designation of the free zone within Qeshm Island was to take advantage of the geopolitical nature of the island combined with its vast onshore and offshore energy reserves. In order for the island to attract domestic and foreign investment, in 1991 the Swedish company Sweco was commissioned to develop a master plan for the island. The study was completed in 1994 and the study denoted a step by step process in order to take develop the island into an industrial center while preserving the vast ecological and environmental reserves the island is a center of. The study specifically laid out a framework to take advantage of the island’s offering which are listed below.

Foreign land ownership.
Qeshm provides a legal framework whereby foreign nationals or corporate entities may have 100% ownership of property.

Designation of Industrial Zones.
1. Tula Industrial Zone. Tula is an industrial zone designated for light industry. The zone covers an area of 1200 hectares and at present there are 32 industrial entities operating in this zone with a further 60 under construction. Noteworthy of mention are Superpipe International (5 layer pipe producer), Demag Delaval Desoil Services (repair, refurbishment and balancing of petroleum industry turbines), Naban Qeshm Industrial Group (auto parts manufacturer), Qeshm Tobacco (producer of over 3.5 billion cigarettes per annum) and Wood Group (refurbisher of turbines) to name a few.

2. Kaveh Industrial Zone.  Located 35 kilometers west of Qeshm city on the northern coast of Qeshm Island, Kaveh Industrial Zone covers an area of 1400 hectares. The area is allocated to heavy industry including petrochemical plants.

3. Suza Industrial Zone. Located 35 kilometers south of Qeshm city, the site covers 3000 hectares. The site is allocated for petrochemical based industries. The area is currently in the planning stage.

4. Alvand Industrial Zone. Located east of Qeshm International Airport, the area is dedicated to the development of high technology industries.

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