Italian Companies Express Readiness to Expand Cooperation With Iran’s Health Sector

TEHRAN (Iran News) The Iran–Italy webinar, focused on “underexplored opportunities in the health sector,” was organized through the joint efforts of the Tehran Chamber’s International Affairs and Trade Development Department, the Health Economy Commission, and the Syndicate of Iranian Pharmaceutical Industries. Supported by the Italian Embassy in Tehran and the Italian Trade Agency (ITA), the session created a platform to examine untapped capacities, challenges, and new pathways for collaboration between the two countries in a sector largely exempt from international sanctions.

Opening the event, Giuseppe Lamacchia, Director of the Italian Trade Agency’s Office in Iran, evaluated his organization’s experience in Tehran positively. He emphasized that pharmaceuticals and medical equipment are not included in major sanctions lists, creating favorable conditions for expanding bilateral cooperation. Lamacchia announced that preparations have begun for a formal and organized Italian pavilion at the IranPharma 2026 exhibition.

Ahmad Pourfallah, President of the Iran–Italy Chamber of Commerce, recalled the long history of cooperation between the two countries, noting that the chamber was established to promote bilateral trade and represents a broad range of small, medium, and large companies across industrial, agricultural, and service sectors.

Pourfallah identified the lack of cooperation in supplying spare parts, dispatching technicians, and difficulties in financial transactions as key barriers to trade expansion. He described the webinar as “a meaningful step” toward strengthening collaboration and supporting humanitarian principles.

Following him, Lorenzo Galanti, Director General of the Italian Trade Agency, praised the high level of Iranian participation and expressed hope that these interactions would lead to joint projects and concrete actions.

Pier Luigi D’Agata, Secretary General of the Italy–Iran Chamber of Commerce and Industry, noted that bilateral trade exceeded USD 500 million in 2024 and emphasized that the similar structures of the two chambers create strong foundations for expanding joint activities.

Sergio Longoni, Banking Attaché of Italy’s Central Bank at the Consulate in Istanbul, focused on financial and regulatory issues. He underscored that pharmaceuticals and health-related goods are not classified as sanctioned items under international law, meaning collaboration in this sector is legally feasible. However, he stressed the need for Italian companies to be fully aware of the risks associated with Iran’s FATF “red list” status.

Massimo Fracci, a trade finance expert, added that banks in both countries must find mechanisms to ensure transparent payment flows to enable a revival of cooperation similar to previous years.

Mohammad Abdezadeh, Chair of the Health Economy Commission of the Tehran Chamber and President of the Pharmaceutical Industries Syndicate, presented an overview of Iran’s pharmaceutical sector. He stated that Iran is ready to cooperate with Italian companies in joint production, technology transfer, product registration, and market development.

He noted that the Iranian market continues to show strong demand for European products and that the Iranian Food and Drug Administration has established clear pathways to facilitate international collaborations.

Abolfath Sanei, Vice Chair of the Health Economy Commission, highlighted the gap between Iran’s current number of hospital beds and global standards, describing this need as a major potential area for cooperation.

He stated that Iran’s medical equipment market includes about USD 2 billion in equipment sales and approximately USD 500 million in modernization and advanced technologies annually—figures that represent significant opportunities for Italian investors.

In the final section of the meeting, Dr. Ahmad Atash-Hoosh outlined Iran’s regulatory processes for registering pharmaceuticals and medical equipment. He emphasized that despite sanctions, European companies have maintained a consistent presence in Iran’s health market over the years. According to him, Iran’s import infrastructure, distribution networks, and legal frameworks are fully prepared for new partnerships.

Representatives from Italian health-sector associations then presented reports on Italy’s pharmaceutical and dental industries and reaffirmed the readiness of Italian companies to expand cooperation with Iran.