Business Opportunities in Mazandaran Province, Iran

About Mazandaran Province

Mazandaran Province is a Caspian province in the north of Iran. Located on the southern coast
of the Caspian Sea, it is bordered clockwise by the Golestan, Semnan, Tehran, Alborz, Qazvin,
and Gilan provinces. Sari is the largest and the capital city of Mazandaran province

Mazandaran is one of the most densely populated provinces in Iran and has diverse natural
resources, especially large reservoirs of oil and natural gas. The province's four largest counties
are Sari (the Provincial Capital), Amol, Babol and Qaemshahr. Founded as province in 1937,
Mazandaran was declared the second modern province after neighboring Gilan.

The diverse nature of the province features plains, prairies, forests and rainforest stretching
from the sandy beaches of the Caspian Sea to the rugged and snowcapped Alborz sierra,
including Mount Damavand, one of the highest peaks and volcanoes in Asia, which at the
narrowest point (Noshahr County) narrows to 5 miles.

Mazandaran is a major producer of farmed fish, and aquaculture provides an important

economic addition to traditional dominance of agriculture. Another important contributor to
the economy is the tourism industry, as people from all of Iran enjoy visiting the area.
Mazandaran is also a fast-growing Centre for biotechnology and civil engineering.

Human habitation in the area dates back at least 75,000 years. Recent excavations in Gohar
Tappe provide proof that the area has been urbanized for more than 5,000 years, and the area
is considered one of the most important historical sites of Iran. It has played an important role
in cultural and urban development of the region.

Geography

Mazandaran is located on the southern coast of the Caspian Sea. It is bordered clockwise by
Golestan, Semnan and Tehran provinces. This province also borders Qazvin and Gilan to the
west. Mazandaran province is geographically divided into two parts: the coastal plains, and the
mountainous areas. The Alborz Mountain Range surrounds the coastal strip and plains of the
Caspian Sea.
 Business Opportunities in Mazandaran Province, Iran

There is often snowfall in the Alborz regions, which run parallel to the Caspian Sea's southern
coast, dividing the province into many isolated valleys. The province enjoys a moderate,
subtropical climate with an average temperature of 25 C in summer and about 8 C in winter.
Although snow may fall heavily in the mountains in winter, it rarely falls at sea level.

Eco Regions

Caspian Hyrcanian mixed forests

Elburz Range forest steppe

Economy

Rice, grain, fruits, cotton, tea, tobacco, sugarcane, and silk are produced in the lowland strip
along the Caspian shore. Oil wealth has stimulated industries in food processing, cement,
textiles, cotton, and fishing (caviar).

The province's pleasant and moderate climate, beautiful natural landscapes, and proximity to
Tehran, have led the province to be one of the main recreational and tourism areas of Iran.

Iran's Cultural Heritage Organization lists close to 630 sites of historical and cultural
significance, hence a wealth of tourist attractions.

The Economic Capabilities and Investment Opportunities of Mazandaran

Province

Transport infrastructures: railways, waterways, air and ground lines

Three airports in: Sari (the provincial capital), Noshahr and Ramsar cities

Three ports in three regions including: west, east, and center of Mazandaran province
(Noshahr, Fereydoonkenar and Amirabad-Free-Trading Zone)

Moderate climate and greenery both for tourism and residency purposes

156 mines: Coal, fluorine, pumices, barite, iron ore, decorative and faade stone, zinc, plaster,
plumb, silica, marble, limestone

Appropriate number of academic graduates and human resources

 Business Opportunities in Mazandaran Province, Iran

Tax exemption for manufacturers in less-developed regions up to 100% for ten years

Modest number of academic graduates and human resources

Agricultural Capabilities

First rank in citrus production of (41.5%)

First rank in rice production of (43.1%)

First rank in the production of state ornamental vase seedlings and ornamental plants and
flowers (trees and shrubs)

First rank in hydrothermal fish production (38.53 thousand tons a year)

15.5% share in Caviar production

99% share in Caviar exportation

First rank in hen poultries (five units)

Industrial Units
The number of active and operating industrial units in industrial Parks of Mazandaran
Province:

Type Of Industrial Number Of Industrial Number Of Employees

Activity Units
Food 375 11928
Textile 72 2094
Cellulose 140 3252
Chemical 449 8961
Non- Ferrous Mineral 127 2485
Metal 346 9941
Services 44 327
Electrical & Electronic 75 1931
Total 1628 40919
 Business Opportunities in Mazandaran Province, Iran

Colleges and Universities

Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari

Sari Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources University, Sari

University of Mazandaran, Babolsar

Babol Noshirvani University of Technology, Babol

Babol University of Medical Sciences, Babol

Behshahr University of Science and Technology, Behshahr

Imam Khomeini University for Naval Sciences, Nowshahr

Shomal University, Amol

Islamic Azad University of Mazanderan located on Sari, Ghaemshahr, Babol, Amol, Chalus,
Savadkuh, Behshahr, Neka