Tehran, Tokyo Expand Trade Cooperation With Focus on Health and Food Industries

TEHRAN (Iran News) At the meeting held in Tehran, Hassanzadeh emphasized that despite the limitations imposed by international sanctions, Iran and Japan can still maintain and expand cooperation in areas unaffected by restrictions. “Japan has remarkable experience and advanced technologies in health and environmental sustainability,” he noted, suggesting collaboration in pharmaceuticals, hospital construction, and the food industry.

He added that ICCIMA has conducted detailed research on potential areas for bilateral expansion and is ready to deepen relations in these sectors.

The ICCIMA president also highlighted the potential for joint investment and export partnerships in food industries, aquaculture, and agricultural products, noting Iran’s expertise as a major producer of traditional Persian carpets. “Iranian handmade carpets, woven with fine wool, silk, and natural dyes, are world-renowned for their quality and durability,” he said. “Unfortunately, countries like Pakistan, Turkey, and India have been marketing imitation Persian carpets, but they lack the authenticity of Iranian craftsmanship. We are eager to cooperate with Japan in this industry.”

Hassanzadeh drew attention to Iranians’ long-standing trust in Japanese automotive technology, proposing joint ventures for the local production of auto parts. “Many of the so-called Japanese car parts in Iran are currently imported from other countries,” he remarked. “We can collaborate directly with Japan to ensure authenticity and quality.”

He also discussed Iran’s agricultural progress, especially in greenhouse farming, and pointed out that Iran needs advanced Japanese technology in both agriculture and medical equipment. “Iranian consumers have a strong confidence in Japanese-made products,” Hassanzadeh said.

Finally, he invited Japanese companies to participate in Iran’s planned Arvand River dredging project in Khuzestan Province, a waterway shared by Iran and Iraq, to improve navigation and trade logistics.

Ambassador Tsukada Tamaki welcomed these initiatives, calling the meeting “a positive sign” despite global political tensions. He noted recent political shifts in Tokyo, including changes in Japan’s prime minister and ministers of foreign affairs and economy, and said these leaders have a deeper understanding of Iran and the Middle East.

“Japan is interested in working with Iran in non-sanctioned sectors such as technology and human resources,” the ambassador stated. He acknowledged Iran’s regional leadership in nanotechnology, artificial intelligence, and human resource training, adding that Japan values these strengths.

Tamaki also extended an invitation for Iranian engineers and technology experts to work in Japan, noting the country’s need for skilled professionals in emerging tech industries. “We want to solve people’s problems through innovation rather than taxation,” he explained. “There are strong opportunities for Iranian engineers to contribute in Japan.”

Hossein Salahvarzi, President of the Iran-Japan Joint Chamber of Commerce, presented a report on the Iranian delegation’s recent visit to Expo Osaka, where Iranian representatives held meetings with several Japanese companies and associations.

Salahvarzi emphasized the positive image of Japan among Iranians and the chamber’s determination to focus on innovative sectors despite sanctions. “We aim to use Japan’s expertise in energy efficiency, clean energy, and sustainable development,” he said. “In healthcare, Japan’s medical equipment is highly advanced, while Iran’s pharmaceutical industry is strong. We propose a joint hospital project, particularly for children or patients with special medical needs.”

In another part of the meeting, Yamada, a representative of Marubeni Corporation, one of Japan’s oldest trading companies, discussed redefining the commercial framework for bilateral cooperation. Marubeni, which established its Iran branch 70 years ago and has operated in oil, gas, and petrochemical sectors, now seeks to design a new model for modern trade relations.

Yamada stressed the need for innovation in agricultural logistics and food production, highlighting the aging farmer population in Iran—where the average age is around 50—as a challenge to productivity and market competitiveness. He suggested Iran and Japan work together on agricultural logistics and youth engagement.

The Japanese representative also pointed out that Japan faces a shortage of engineers, while Iran has a large pool of skilled professionals—making mutual collaboration in information technology and engineering highly feasible.

Yamada further proposed the establishment of a joint Iran-Japan certification center for Persian carpets to verify authenticity, as counterfeit carpets continue to flood international markets under the label of “Persian rugs.”

Bahram Shakouri, Vice President of the Iran-Japan Joint Chamber and a mining entrepreneur, described the relationship between the two nations as “family-like and unbreakable.” He proposed creating an innovation center within ICCIMA for cooperation in artificial intelligence and digital marketing, to train Iranian managers in AI-driven commerce.

Highlighting Iran’s rich mineral reserves—ranking fifth globally—Shakouri mentioned significant resources of copper, gold, lithium, and decorative stones. “Nearly all mining machinery in Iran comes from Japanese brands and has an average lifespan of 20 years,” he explained. “We propose to renovate and repair 15,000 mining machines using original Japanese parts.”

He also emphasized the global shift toward environmental sustainability and carbon reduction, suggesting collaboration on green technologies. “Japan’s achievements in reducing carbon emissions can be adapted for Iran,” he said. “Such cooperation is not subject to sanctions and supports both environmental protection and technological advancement.”