Esfahan and Belarus Draw Up Economic Roadmap

TEHRAN (Iran News) Amir Keshani, President of the Esfahan Chamber of Commerce, stated that research indicates strong potential for exports and imports between Iran and Belarus, which could be expanded by utilizing both nations’ resources and advantages.

He added that the Esfahan Chamber is fully prepared to send trade delegations to Belarus and host Belarusian economic teams in sectors where Iranian goods have a competitive edge.

Keshani expressed hope that this and similar meetings will pave the way for sustainable economic and trade relations between Esfahan and Belarus, creating new opportunities for cooperation among business communities in both countries.

Dmitry Koltsov, Ambassador of the Republic of Belarus to Iran, highlighted his country’s open economic policies and reaffirmed Belarus’s readiness to deepen comprehensive relations with the Islamic Republic of Iran within the framework of both nations’ leadership strategies.

He noted that Belarus possesses significant potential in industrial, agricultural, and export sectors. According to Koltsov, expanding mutual cooperation could lead to reduced or even eliminated customs tariffs between the two countries, thereby boosting economic exchanges.

Alireza Sanayee, Iran’s Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to Belarus, described the two economies as complementary. He noted that Iran holds advantages in agriculture, pharmaceuticals, and petrochemicals, while Belarus excels in heavy machinery, chemical fertilizers, and mining industries.

Sanayee cited the Free Trade Agreement with the Eurasian Economic Union as an opportunity to lower tariffs and strengthen trade, adding that the North–South Corridor serves as a strategic route for expanding bilateral cooperation.

He also mentioned the activities of the Iranian Capital Bank and the opening of an Iranian Trade Center in Minsk, which he said have created a suitable foundation for facilitating financial relations and supporting business operators.

Behzad Yaghoubi, representative of the Belarus Chamber of Commerce in Iran, announced that Iranian exports to Belarus have more than tripled in the first five months of the current year.

He pointed to the Belarus Chamber of Commerce and Industry’s representative office in Iran, established to facilitate trade relations and address barriers to economic exchange between the two countries.

Yaghoubi further noted that with Iran’s banking system now connected to Russia’s financial network, monetary transactions between Iranian and Belarusian exporters and importers are proceeding smoothly.

Meanwhile in a meeting between the Ambassador of Belarus in Tehran and the President of the Esfahan Chamber of Commerce, the two sides reviewed Esfahan’s economic capacities and explored potential areas for joint cooperation across various sectors.

Both parties emphasized the importance of leveraging mutual opportunities to expand the volume of economic exchanges and establish sustainable links between Esfahan’s and Belarus’s business communities.

Amir Keshani, President of the Esfahan Chamber of Commerce, highlighted the city’s long-standing international background, saying:

“Esfahan has historically maintained extensive global relations and has always been a place where diverse cultures and religions have coexisted peacefully.”

He added that given the strong diplomatic ties between the Islamic Republic of Iran and the Republic of Belarus, efforts are being made to expand joint trade and economic activities, taking advantage of the Belarusian ambassador’s visit to Esfahan to promote new business collaborations.

Keshani emphasized that trade and economic interaction can play a key role in strengthening relations between the two nations and serve as a foundation for expanding mutual cooperation.

Mohammad Jafar Foodeh, Vice President of the Esfahan Chamber of Commerce, expressed hope that this visit would mark the beginning of broader economic cooperation between Esfahan and Belarus.

“We hope to see more visits from Belarusian officials and business representatives to Esfahan in the near future,” he said, adding that this meeting could pave the way for new developments in trade and economic relations between Esfahan Province and Belarus.

Koltsov, Ambassador of the Republic of Belarus to Iran, expressed his pleasure at visiting Esfahan, calling it “a beautiful city with significant economic potential.”

Referring to Iran’s positive policies toward developing ties with Belarus, Koltsov noted: “Trade relations between our two countries are already at a good level, and we hope to further strengthen cooperation and increase the volume of exchanges.”

He added: “I am delighted to be in this historic city and hope that this visit will mark the start of expanded trade and industrial collaboration between Esfahan and Belarus.”

Mostafa Dolatiar, Head of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Office in Esfahan, remarked that simplifying administrative procedures would encourage more ambassadors and foreign delegations to visit the city, fostering stronger international engagement.

He added: “The Ministry’s Esfahan office welcomes and supports such meetings and stands ready to play an active role in promoting economic, cultural, and diplomatic cooperation between Esfahan and other countries.”