For years, the Iraq-Iran border has served as the main conduit for smuggling of goods by porters whose job involves shouldering heavy and bulky loads on foot across remote mountains in order to provide for their families.

The region is known for a treacherous terrain, where natural incidents such as snow storms and avalanches are common. Landmines left from the Iraq-Iran war of the 1980s lurk, as do ravenous wolves.

The jagged peaks of the Zagros mountains are also favorable hiding grounds for Kurdish militants who engage in clashes with border guards from time to time and get porters caught in the occasional crossfire.

A series of measures taken by the government have sought to induce kolbars to give up the practice and engage in sustainable jobs. They have included extending social security coverage to some kolbars, but Kurdish parliamentarians complain those measures are not enough.

On Tuesday, the Islamic Republic of Iran Customs Administration announced that it had inaugurated the first retail market on the Siran Band-Baneh border with the aim of serving kolbars.

Under the plan, kolbars will receive electronic cards providing them monthly duty discounts on 5 million rials worth of purchases at the market.

“With the implementation of this plan, it is expected that the proceeds from local marketing will directly benefit the border residents, which will have a significant role in improving the livelihoods of dear Kurdistan border residents,” the customs administration said in a statement.

Reporter’s code: 50101