Need to Increase Exports from Khuzestan to Kuwait

TEHRAN (Iran News) According to the Public Relations Office of the Trade Promotion Organization of Iran, Mohammad Sadegh Ghanadzadeh made the remarks during a meeting with Iran’s commercial attachés to Iraq, Oman, and Qatar, held at the Khorramshahr Chamber of Commerce. He noted that the cities of Abadan and Khorramshahr have maritime connections with Kuwait, while the Shalamcheh border crossing represents a strategic regional asset.

“Kuwait is Khuzestan’s second most important neighbor. Given the province’s significant potential, we must see an increase in exports to this country,” Ghanadzadeh said.

He stressed the importance of maintaining Iran’s market presence in both Iraq and Kuwait, pointing out that the most stable border trade occurs with countries sharing land borders, where trade faces fewer threats.

Referring to a recent visit to the Shalamcheh commercial border, Ghanadzadeh noted complaints from Iraqi traders about long processing times at the crossing. “Some traders arrived at 9 a.m. and were still waiting to exit several hours later. Such delays can lead to economic losses and loss of market opportunities,” he warned.

The TPO official also mentioned a memorandum of understanding signed in 2013 with free trade zones and said plans are underway to organize an exhibition showcasing Khuzestan’s industrial and commercial capabilities.

He highlighted the activation of local border markets and the use of pīleh-var (small-scale trader) cards for business owners in Abadan and Khorramshahr as key demands from regional economic actors.

Ghanadzadeh stated that agreements have been made with all trade attachés to ensure ongoing cooperation with chambers of commerce and joint business councils between Iran and partner countries, aimed at facilitating export growth.

On the same day, Ghanadzadeh, along with the Director General of the West Asia and Free Zone Markets Office and the Director of Free Zone Export Market Development, joined Mehram Ravanbakhsh, acting head of Khuzestan’s Industry, Mine, and Trade Department, in visiting the Chazzabeh border terminal and the Arvand Free Zone to evaluate the province’s export capacities.

During the visit, officials emphasized the region’s pivotal role in boosting exports and the need to address export-related barriers.

A subsequent meeting with local authorities underscored the importance of revitalizing border terminals, streamlining export procedures, and recognizing Khuzestan as a key province in the development of Iran’s non-oil exports.