Facilitating Banking and Transportation Key to Expanding Iran-Turkmenistan Trade

TEHRAN (Iran News) On the sidelines of the Iran Expo 2025 international exhibition, a joint meeting between Iranian and Turkmen business leaders and economic actors highlighted the strong will of both nations to deepen their economic ties. Organized in collaboration with the Iran-Turkmenistan Joint Chamber of Commerce, the meeting provided a platform for dialogue and exchange of innovative ideas aimed at facilitating and expanding bilateral trade and industrial cooperation.

In his address, Payam Bagheri, Vice President of Iran’s Chamber of Commerce, emphasized the longstanding and stable relationship between the two neighboring countries, while stressing the need to boost economic exchanges.

“Despite considerable potential in sectors such as energy, agriculture, and mining, the current volume of trade between Iran and Turkmenistan remains insufficient,” Bagheri stated. “Serious efforts are needed to significantly increase this volume.”

He reiterated that streamlined banking procedures and improvements in transportation and logistics are vital to achieving this goal.

Bagheri described Iran Expo 2025 as an ideal venue to enhance economic interactions and showcase Iranian products and cutting-edge technologies. He also expressed the Chamber’s readiness to leverage its resources to further develop economic engagement with Turkmenistan.

Ramazan Bahrami, President of the Iran-Turkmenistan Joint Chamber, emphasized the crucial role of the private sector in strengthening economic ties between the two countries.

“Mutual trust between the public and private sectors can pave the way for major achievements in trade,” Bahrami noted. He called for greater cooperation in areas such as transit, investment, and the establishment of joint commissions to expand bilateral trade.

Bahrami also underlined the importance of setting up a Turkmenistan Trade Center in Iran to facilitate the exchange of goods and services.

Participants at the meeting also tackled key challenges hampering trade development, most notably banking issues and delays in financial transactions—areas that many believe require urgent governmental attention. Transportation and logistical hurdles were also cited as barriers needing resolution to enable smoother trade flows.

Speakers highlighted the potential for collaboration in a range of sectors including energy, transportation, agriculture, and emerging technologies.

Bagheri stated that both countries could initiate joint ventures in fields such as energy, mining, agriculture, and infrastructure development. Transit of goods and infrastructure enhancement are key priorities in advancing mutual trade.

A notable segment of the meeting was dedicated to the participation of tech and knowledge-based companies at Iran Expo 2025. These firms are seen as a major asset for boosting high-tech exports and diversifying trade channels.

Seyed Hossein Mirshafi, an advisor to the Minister of Roads and Urban Development, emphasized the need to support knowledge-based firms in preparing for international exhibitions and penetrating global markets.

“For these companies to make a meaningful impact, they must attend exhibitions with proper planning and a clear understanding of target markets,” Mirshafi said.

Bayram Yazmuhamedov, Head of the Chamber of Commerce of Mary Province and a representative of Turkmenistan’s Chamber of Commerce, highlighted the exhibition as a strategic opportunity for strengthening trade ties.

“Iran Expo serves as a vital industrial and technological event that can play a key role in increasing trade exchanges,” Yazmuhamedov remarked. He expressed optimism about exploring Iran’s industrial capabilities and declared Turkmenistan’s readiness to open a new chapter of cooperation.

He noted that such meetings could lead to joint projects in energy, transportation, agriculture, and technology, ushering in a new era of partnership.

All participants underscored the importance of future-oriented strategies and careful planning to develop trade and investment ties. Given the vast economic potential and the strong political will on both sides, the future of Iran-Turkmenistan relations looks bright.

The meeting, held as part of the Iran Expo 2025, offered exceptional opportunities for business leaders and entrepreneurs from both nations to take meaningful steps toward deepening economic cooperation and exploring new avenues of international engagement.