ICCIMA Chief Urges Removal of Iran–Kazakhstan Trade Barriers

TEHRAN (Iran News) Speaking at the forum attended by the presidents of both countries, Hassan-Zadeh noted that the current volume of bilateral trade—estimated at around USD 350 million—could increase several-fold in the short term, given the existing potential.

He said the presence of both sides at the forum reflects a shared determination to enhance economic and commercial relations, which are rooted in historical and cultural ties, regional common interests, and vast economic capacities.

Hassan-Zadeh described Kazakhstan as one of the most significant economies in Central Asia and a strategic partner for Iran, enjoying a special position in the eyes of the Iranian private sector. He highlighted opportunities for cooperation in energy, agriculture, mining, maritime transport in the Caspian Sea, petrochemicals, basic metals, food industries, technical and engineering services, and pharmaceuticals.

Despite restrictions caused by sanctions, he said, opportunities for collaboration are emerging more than ever. However, challenges—including inadequate transport and logistics infrastructure, the absence of a joint bank and secure financial mechanisms, insufficient familiarity of businesses with each other’s markets, and competition from regional goods in Kazakhstan—remain major obstacles. Addressing these issues, he stressed, requires joint planning, government backing, and proactive private-sector engagement.

The head of Iran’s Chamber added that both public and private sectors have taken positive steps in recent years and have developed significant joint programs for the current and upcoming year. He expressed hope that closer coordination among institutions would accelerate this progress.

Pointing to the membership of Iran and Kazakhstan in key regional organizations—including the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU), the Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO), the Conference on Interaction and Confidence-Building Measures in Asia (CICA), as well as their shared status as Caspian littoral states—Hassan-Zadeh said strengthening bilateral cooperation within these bodies could greatly facilitate trade, expand transport corridors, harmonize commercial regulations, and enhance regional economic stability. Continued consultations on regional and global issues and mutual support in international forums, he said, remain essential.

Highlighting the strategic importance of the International North–South Transport Corridor (INSTC), Hassan-Zadeh said the route, which passes through Iran and connects to Bandar Abbas, provides Kazakhstan and other CIS countries with access to the Persian Gulf and South and East Asian markets. Expanding this corridor would reduce transportation costs and play a key role in regional food security, energy cooperation, and trade. Completing the infrastructure of this corridor and removing operational obstacles, he stressed, should be at the forefront of joint efforts. “Iran–Kazakhstan”

He added that with improved infrastructure and the resolution of issues such as financial transfers, the private sectors of both countries could cooperate in industrial exports, technical and engineering services, scientific collaboration—particularly in nanotechnology and biotechnology—as well as tourism and health tourism. Iran, he noted, is ready to participate in Kazakhstan’s infrastructure, industrial, and commercial projects, invest in mining exploration and extraction, and engage in joint production ventures based on mutual interests. “Iran–Kazakhstan”

Hassan-Zadeh emphasized that Kazakhstan is a priority partner for Iran due to geographic proximity, shared interests, diverse capacities, and its membership in the Eurasian Economic Union. The Iran Chamber of Commerce, he said, is fully prepared to take practical steps to strengthen these relations. Achieving this goal, he concluded, requires joint action to eliminate avoidable barriers and pave the way for long-term, sustainable cooperation.