Export-Oriented Exhibitions Pave the Way for National Trade Development

TEHRAN (Iran News) Speaking at the opening ceremony of the Shiraz International Expo, Abdollahi noted that Shiraz has long been recognized as the cultural, literary, and artistic capital of Iran. “Today, through this exhibition, we are also witnessing another dimension of Fars Province’s capabilities—its economic and export potential—which is both valuable and impactful,” he said.

Abdollahi highlighted the importance of exports, particularly under current economic conditions, calling the timing of the event “strategically smart.” He said it could significantly contribute to improving the country’s trade balance.

Referring to last year’s trade statistics, Abdollahi noted that Iran’s trade balance in 2024 (Persian year 1403) was negative: “We had around $58 billion in exports and $74 billion in imports, resulting in a $14 billion trade deficit. This situation demands intensified efforts to boost exports.”

He added that during the first six months of this year (1404), the situation has improved considerably, with $26 billion in exports and $28 billion in imports, narrowing the trade deficit to just $2 billion.

“Given the country’s currency situation, every dollar earned through exports is invaluable,” Abdollahi stressed, urging the cooperative sector, chambers of commerce, and private enterprises to play a more active role in expanding non-oil exports.

The Shiraz Expo’s focus on Persian Gulf Arab markets is “entirely correct and intelligent,” Abdollahi said, noting that roughly 30% of Iran’s exports in 2023–2024 were to just two Arab countries—about $7 billion to the UAE and $12 billion to Iraq, totaling nearly $19 billion, or one-third of all exports.

“These numbers show that neighboring and Persian Gulf Arab countries are highly promising markets for Iranian products,” he added. “Given our shared religious, historical, and cultural ties, these countries are naturally inclined to use Iranian goods and services.”

Abdollahi underscored the role of government support—especially from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs—in facilitating export growth. “In today’s world, political and diplomatic power serve economic goals. In many countries, businesspeople are strongly supported by their governments. We still have some distance to cover to reach that point in Iran,” he said. “Export-Oriented Exhibitions”

He called for greater involvement from Iranian embassies and diplomatic missions abroad in assisting exporters, noting that “in some cases, cooperation has fallen short of expectations.” Abdollahi urged the government to take stronger action through economic diplomacy, in line with the president’s emphasis on expanding exports. “Export-Oriented Exhibitions”

The cooperative leader expressed optimism about the impact of the Shiraz Expo, describing it as an important step toward expanding exports. However, he cautioned that “exporting is not merely about selling goods—it’s about exporting products with high added value.”

“Unfortunately, a large portion of Iran’s exports still involve raw or semi-processed goods, which generate limited value for the economy,” Abdollahi said. “We must shift toward knowledge-based and high-tech exports to create greater added value for the country.”

Abdollahi praised the initiative of the Governor of Fars Province and the organizers of the Shiraz International Expo, expressing hope that the event will help strengthen Iran’s export presence in (Persian)  Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries.

The Shiraz International Expo will run until October 14 (Mehr 23) at the Fars International Exhibition Center. Its primary goal is to showcase Iran’s and Fars Province’s export potential to neighboring and Gulf countries, promoting new trade links and economic cooperation in the region.