28th ELECOMP Exhibition Opens in Tehran

TEHRAN (Iran News) According to IRNA, during the four-day event, the exhibition will be open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., welcoming technology professionals, enthusiasts, and investors. Entry is also open to the general public, offering access to the latest achievements in the country’s information and communications technology sector.

This year’s ELECOMP hosts hundreds of domestic companies alongside 18 international exhibitors, showcasing their newest products, services, and innovations across fields ranging from artificial intelligence and blockchain to big data, advanced hardware, and specialized software.

Featured Sections and Highlights: ELECOM Stars: Spotlighting startups and new businesses, with networking opportunities; ELECOM Games: Presenting the latest digital games and entertainment platforms; ELECOM Talks: Hosting expert panels, workshops, and knowledge-sharing sessions; and AI Pavilion: For the first time, dedicated booths and panels on cutting-edge technologies in machine learning and natural language processing.

Among this year’s innovations is a chatbot guide designed to help visitors quickly access exhibitor information, booth locations, and side events.

On the sidelines of the Minister of Communications emphasized the government’s legal obligation under the Seventh Development Plan, stating that Iran must raise the digital economy’s share of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) to 10 percent.

Speaking to reporters during his visit to the opening of the 28th ELECOMP exhibition, Minister Sattar Hashemi noted that the core of the digital economy lies in software and knowledge-based services. He added that relying on domestic expertise will minimize the impact of external pressures such as the so-called “trigger mechanism” on the sector’s growth.

Hashemi explained that hardware infrastructure falls into two categories: one produced domestically without major challenges, and another dependent on technology-owning countries. “In the latter case, necessary measures have been taken to mitigate the potential impact of the trigger mechanism, and efforts are ongoing,” he said.

The minister referred to the Supreme Leader’s emphasis on building a “strong Iran,” stressing that knowledge-based and technology-driven companies play a central role in delivering high-quality services to the public.

“Experience has shown that relying on these capacities gives meaning to the concept of a resilient economy,” Hashemi said. “Despite undeniable restrictions in recent years, the determination of youth and elites has created significant new capacities.”

Highlighting ELECOMP’s role, he added: “This event hosts more than 500 domestic technology companies along with several international firms. Their presence marks an important and positive development for the country. We will continue this path with determination—it is not only our legal duty but also our belief, and our young people have proven capable of achieving great things that were unimaginable just a few years ago.”

Hashemi pointed to progress in the eSIM project, explaining that several operators have entered the field in a timely manner. “Some operators have already begun registering users, and the Communications Regulatory Authority is actively pursuing this service so it will soon be available to the public,” he said. “We must pursue modern technologies with determination, and we are confident that Iranian youth will succeed on this path.”

He also addressed the forthcoming September Internet Quality Report, noting that a system has been developed to provide information by operator, province, and city.

Hashemi emphasized that the ministry has taken active steps across all areas of the digital economy. “There are concerns from stakeholders, especially platforms, but we are in dialogue with them and coordinating with other ministries to address both regulatory and operational issues,” he explained.

He noted that the Digital Economy Task Force has recently become more cohesive and active. At its latest session, representatives from the insurance and stock exchange sectors participated to hear the concerns of platforms, and follow-up discussions are ongoing.

Responding to questions about public expectations for better telecommunications and internet services following the recent 12-day disruption, Hashemi said: “Improving quality is a top priority. I hold weekly in-person meetings with operators to review concerns and resolve issues case by case. The Communications Regulatory Authority has also been tasked with organizing multiple meetings and securing commitments from operators to ensure a scheduled program for quality enhancement.””ELECOMP”

He identified 5G expansion and the deployment of fiber-optic networks as two main pillars of improvement. “Of course, the impact of restrictions on service quality cannot be denied, but these issues are being pursued through multiple parallel efforts,” he added.

The minister concluded by expressing hope that with sustained oversight of mobile operators, citizens will experience tangible improvements in internet and phone services by the Persian New Year (Nowruz).