Lawmaker Proposes Guild for Investors in Historical Places

The parliament's tourism and cultural heritage group has proposed the formation of a guild for investors participating in restoration of historical buildings.

Jabbar Kouchakizadeh, a lawmaker from Rasht, Mazandaran Province, said experience shows that any business or commercial activity needs a syndicate to be able to expand.

Kouchakizadeh's statement is published on the official website of Iran's Revitalization and Utilization Fund for Historical Places.

"A non-governmental entity will not only help create greater unity in terms of legal affairs such as contracts, terms of investment and relations with the public sector, but also provide a platform for sharing knowledge and experience," he said.

Iran is well known for its ancient structures, which are one of the most prominent attractions of the country. However, years of mismanagement has led to a significant number of these places falling into disrepair.

Involving the private sector has been a key strategy adopted by cultural heritage authorities, but still requires promotion to attract the needed funds.

"A specific association can help guarantee the safety of investment in this sector and encourage private enterprises to put their money in restoration projects," said the lawmaker.

Kouchakizadeh added that the guild can also act as a legal entity to help the sector set up international economic and cultural relations.

"This can be a great step to expand our restoration efforts," he said.

Tax breaks and financial assistance, along with discounts in utility costs, are among incentives offered by the government to encourage the private sector to implement restoration projects.

The target is to cede about 100 buildings to the private sector for restoration every year, which means 1,084 buildings will be ready for use by the end of the 2025 Vision Plan.