West Azerbaijan Positioned as Bangladesh’s Gateway to European Markets

TEHRAN (Iran News) According to the Urmia Chamber of Commerce’s public relations office, Karimi emphasized the province’s strategic geo-economic position, noting its status as a major agricultural and food processing hub with high export potential.

“This province is one of Iran’s key centers for agricultural production and food industries, with a capacity of nearly 7 million tons of goods such as apples, grapes, nuts, dairy, and livestock products that can find a strong market in Bangladesh,” Karimi stated.

He proposed that West Azerbaijan could serve as a new logistics and export corridor for Bangladeshi products headed toward Eastern Europe, Eurasia, and the Caucasus, leveraging its transport infrastructure.

“Given the challenges facing traditional export markets, South Asian countries—particularly Bangladesh—offer new opportunities to expand Iran’s non-oil exports,” Karimi added. “We are ready to facilitate this path with the support of the Bangladeshi embassy and the involvement of both countries’ private sectors.”

Karimi also highlighted the province’s industrial capabilities in small and medium enterprises, construction materials, herbal medicines, petrochemicals, and ornamental and construction stones. He called for a formal cooperation agreement between the Urmia Chamber of Commerce and its counterpart in Bangladesh, proposing joint trade sessions, specialized exhibitions, and business delegation visits.

“We are fully prepared to act as a bridge between the private sectors of our two nations and to mobilize all our resources for this cause,” he concluded.

Ambassador Chowdhury echoed Karimi’s views, describing West Azerbaijan as a key region for economic collaboration, re-export opportunities, and joint production ventures.

He acknowledged the province’s progress and high potential, especially in agriculture, including apple and raisin production, as a basis for expanding trade with Bangladesh.

Chowdhury also suggested using Bangladeshi ports for the re-export of Iranian goods and proposed joint ventures in the textile industry. “West Azerbaijan’s position as a gateway to European markets can be pivotal,” he said.

He highlighted the Maku Free Trade Zone—home to the largest such zone in Iran—as an attractive hub for joint industrial, commercial, and logistical projects, particularly in textiles, pharmaceuticals, and food industries.

“With Bangladesh’s access to large regional populations, we can expand exports from West Azerbaijan to Asian and African markets,” Chowdhury noted.

He also mentioned medical tourism as a promising field of cooperation, stating, “Iran has great potential to attract Bangladeshi medical tourists, and its industrial capabilities and self-sufficiency offer a strong foundation for bilateral industrial projects.”

Both parties concluded the meeting with a mutual commitment to strengthening private sector ties and organizing future joint business meetings.