ICT minister departs for Serbia

TEHRAN (Iran News) Speaking during a meeting with Niaz Čardaklija, Bosnia and Herzegovina’s Ambassador to Iran, Hassanzadeh emphasized that the current trade volume between the two nations is unsatisfactory and urged both governments and private sectors to devise strategies to boost economic exchanges.

Hassanzadeh highlighted Iran’s extensive capabilities across various sectors, including engineering services, road and bridge construction, hotels, buildings, hospitals, building materials, tiles, ceramics, glass, petrochemicals, steel, food industries, vegetables, greenhouse products, chemicals, polymers, medical equipment, household appliances, textiles, and apparel. “Iran offers competitive prices and high-quality goods, with agricultural products meeting global standards and being exported worldwide,” he noted. He proposed exporting semi-finished construction materials to Bosnia for final production and resale, either locally or for re-export, as a means to enhance bilateral trade.

The ICCIMA president also pointed to the ease of visa issuance between the two countries as a foundation for expanding tourism, particularly in the health sector, which could further deepen cooperation. Stressing the importance of commercial delegations, he added, “We are ready to host Bosnian trade delegations and hope conditions will allow Iranian delegations to visit Bosnia as well.”

Ambassador Čardaklija, representing a nation of three million people, encouraged Iranian traders to view Bosnia not just as a standalone market but as a gateway to the Balkans and broader European markets. “Re-exporting goods could be a promising avenue for collaboration,” he said, noting that while cultural ties between Iran and Bosnia are strong, economic engagement remains limited. “Iranian traders have a minimal presence in Bosnia and Herzegovina. We need to shift this dynamic and prioritize economic partnerships alongside cultural ones.”

Čardaklija underscored Iran’s potential to supply a wide range of Bosnia’s needs, suggesting that new avenues for cooperation must be explored to increase trade volume. He proposed hosting an “Iran Economic Week” in Bosnia, featuring Iranian traders, to foster greater familiarity with each country’s commercial capacities. “Bosnian traders know very little about Iran’s economic potential,” he admitted, adding that establishing an ICCIMA branch in Sarajevo or a trade center in Bosnia could significantly enhance collaboration.

The ambassador also addressed the stalled preferential trade agreement between the two nations. “Though this agreement exists, it has not been fully implemented, with only 10% of its potential utilized,” he lamented. He urged private sectors on both sides to work together to maximize its benefits, noting that 75% of Bosnia’s exports go to EU countries, reflecting the high quality of its goods.

Hassanzadeh welcomed these proposals, affirming ICCIMA’s readiness to explore and implement strategies to elevate trade with Bosnia. “We are prepared to collaborate fully to increase the trade volume between our countries,” he concluded.

The meeting signals a renewed push to transform the Iran-Bosnia relationship from one rooted in cultural affinity to a robust economic partnership. With untapped potential in trade agreements, market access, and mutual investment, both sides appear committed to turning opportunities into action. The proposed trade center and economic week could serve as pivotal steps toward integrating Iranian goods into European supply chains via Bosnia, while opening new markets for Bosnian exports in the Middle East. As discussions progress, the focus remains on practical measures to bridge the gap between ambition and achievement in this bilateral relationship.