ICCIMA Designs Roadmap for Digital Exports

TEHRAN (Iran News) Speaking at the Iran Technology Day forum held alongside GITEX 2025 in Dubai, Samad Hassanzadeh, President of ICCIMA, said the initiative seeks to promote dialogue, knowledge exchange, and international cooperation in digital transformation.

“The Chamber plays a key role in supporting technology development, industrial digitalization, and the expansion of technology-based exports,” Hassanzadeh said, emphasizing ICCIMA’s strategic role in the country’s digital economy.

Hassanzadeh explained that the Chamber, in collaboration with specialized organizations such as the Iran ICT Federation (FAWA), has been instrumental in organizing international events, B2B meetings, and joint research and development projects that connect Iranian technology companies with global markets.

He revealed that the Digital Export Roadmap will offer services such as consultancy, tax facilitation, and identification of target markets. Iran, he added, is ready to engage in joint R&D projects, technology transfer, mutual investments, specialized training, and the exchange of tech data with international partners.

According to Hassanzadeh, Iran sees strong potential for cooperation in fields including artificial intelligence (AI), the Internet of Things (IoT), smart cities, cloud computing, and industrial electronics.

Highlighting Iran’s young, educated, and creative population, Hassanzadeh noted that the country is one of the region’s leaders in information and communications technology (ICT).

Official statistics show that as of 2024, over 73% of Iran’s population has access to high-speed internet, while smartphone penetration has surpassed 116%.

Currently, more than 10,000 knowledge-based and tech-driven companies operate in Iran, about 24% of which are active in ICT and electronics. Hundreds of startups have already exported products and services in areas such as AI, fintech, digital health, cloud services, IoT, and cybersecurity.

Hassanzadeh said the digital economy accounts for 8.2% of Iran’s GDP in 2024—almost double its share from five years ago—demonstrating the country’s accelerating digital transformation.

In the WIPO Global Innovation Index 2024, Iran ranks 64th worldwide and fourth in the Middle East, while it holds the 79th position in the Network Readiness Index (NRI), indicating steady progress in innovation and tech infrastructure.

The ICCIMA president also pointed to major achievements in Iran’s electronics industry, including advances in telecommunications equipment, electronic components, and smart systems. Production capacity for electronic parts has increased by more than 40%, and several Iranian knowledge-based firms have successfully developed competitive sensors, microprocessors, and telecom equipment.

In the public sector, over 8 billion electronic transactions were conducted through e-government and national data exchange systems last year, reflecting the tangible growth of Iran’s digital economy.

Hassanzadeh added that a new generation of Iranian firms is now engaged in international projects ranging from cloud infrastructure development to chip design and AI software.

“We believe the future of Iran’s economy depends on technological progress, innovation, and international collaboration,” he said. “With its scientific base, skilled workforce, and tech enterprises, Iran is ready to play an active role in the global digital economy.”

He expressed hope that the GITEX forum would serve as a starting point for joint technological ventures and a foundation for a sustainable, digitally empowered future across the region and beyond.