TEHRAN (Iran News) Speaking at a meeting with managers of the Kish Free Trade Zone Organization, Madanizadeh praised the efforts of the Secretary of the Supreme Council of Free Trade and Industrial Zones and other officials for their “valuable short-term achievements” on Kish Island.

“In Iran, anyone who has ever implemented a project knows how difficult it is to bring it to completion. That makes the accomplishments of the Kish Free Zone even more remarkable, given the scale of work achieved in such a short time,” he said.

Madanizadeh expressed hope that the Kish Free Zone management team would continue to improve efficiency, precision, and innovation in their work, using modern knowledge and technology to accelerate progress.

He noted that the Kish Free Zone authorities are preparing a comprehensive transformation plan for the country’s free zones, urging them to finalize it quickly with the help of international consultants.

“My request is that the section on ‘anonymous investments’ within this transformation plan be completed and implemented as soon as possible,” he said, emphasizing the target of attracting $10 billion in investment within three years.

Addressing issues raised by managers regarding customs and taxation, Madanizadeh stated that the Free Zones Secretariat has already prepared draft legislation for matters requiring parliamentary approval. “We are seriously pursuing its passage,” he said.

He added that other issues not requiring new laws could be resolved within the Ministry of Economy or by the Cabinet, urging close coordination among the Free Zones Secretariat, Kish Free Zone Organization, the Tax Administration, and the Ministry’s banking and insurance departments to design practical solutions promptly.

Highlighting the ministry’s six major national projects, the minister called on the Free Zones Secretariat to outline the role of free zones—particularly Kish Island—within these initiatives.

He suggested that Kish Island could become a regional hub for technology and innovation, noting that such a transformation could attract both domestic talents who face barriers in the mainland and international professionals seeking to work in Iran under more flexible conditions.

“Beyond digital economy development, we can build a full innovation ecosystem on Kish Island—bringing together leading technology companies and top universities to create a major innovation environment,” Madanizadeh said.

Emphasizing that the governance model of free trade zones must differ from that of other regions, Madanizadeh stated, “When someone enters a government office in a free zone, they should experience something completely different from start to finish.”

He underlined that free zones should pioneer data-driven governance, rapid data assessment, and streamlined decision-making, setting an example for other parts of the country.

“If we are talking about simplifying overlapping and complex regulatory systems, the free zones must be the first to eliminate such inefficiencies,” he added.

Madanizadeh concluded by stressing that free zone managers possess broad authority similar to that of provincial governors.

“You are, in effect, like presidents within your own jurisdictions,” he told them. “President Pezeshkian has repeatedly said that governors are the presidents of their provinces—and the law grants you almost the same powers. You must make full use of them.”

The post Iran Aims to Attract $10b in Investment in Each Free Trade and Industrial Zone Within Three Years appeared first on Iran News Daily.

TEHRAN (Iran News) Speaking at a trade forum in Ahvaz, organized by the local Chamber of Commerce under the theme “Understanding Packaging Needs and Standards in African Markets”, Barhaman dismissed sanctions as a justification for inaction.

“Exporters can use cash payments, barter deals, local exchange houses, or register firms in third countries to bypass restrictions,” he said.

Barhaman described Africa as a continent of opportunities and complexities rather than a single market.

With 1.45 billion people across 55 countries and abundant resources, including 30% of global mineral reserves, 65% of diamonds, 60% of gold, and significant lithium, uranium, and titanium deposits, Africa is “one of the most attractive global markets,” he noted.

Despite being often labeled “under-developed,” many African economies are growing faster than the global average, driven by foreign investment.

“If we delay, we will hand these opportunities to others,” Barhaman warned.

Africa’s heavy reliance on traditional agriculture, which accounts for about 80% of GDP, leaves gaps in processing and manufacturing industries.

“The continent exports mostly raw materials and lacks industries in processed foods, appliances, textiles, cars, and decorative goods,” Barhaman said. “Almost every Iranian product — from building materials to carpets, chandeliers, and costume jewelry — has potential in Africa.”

Barhaman recommended several steps for Iranian firms: Trade fairs: Participation in African exhibitions to connect with buyers; Trade missions: Organizing B2B meetings and delegations; Market research: Understanding demand, logistics, and customs rules; Local presence: Establishing production or trading bases for sectors such as construction; He cited China’s early investments in Africa as a model for securing market share; Bypassing Sanctions and Financing Trade; and Barhaman argued that financial hurdles are manageable.

“African buyers, like Iraqi or Afghan partners, often pay in cash. Barter is also common,” he said, citing transactions in which Iran imported African precious metals in exchange for goods.

Other solutions include using local money-exchange networks or setting up firms in the UAE or Turkey to issue invoices and facilitate letters of credit.

He added that negotiations with Iran’s Central Bank aim to establish correspondent banking links with African banks, allowing settlements without physical money transfers — “a step that bypasses sanctions while enhancing security for traders.”

Government support is also available. The Export Guarantee Fund of Iran covers up to US$4.5 billion in trade with Africa and provides partner credit ratings. The National Development Fund has allocated €2 billion in concessional loans at about 8.5% interest for Iranian projects in Africa, several of which are already underway.

Iran’s annual trade with Africa stands at around $1.5b, with $1b in exports and about $300m in imports, according to Barhaman.

Key exports include petrochemicals such as urea, industrial oils, and metals, which support Africa’s fast-growing construction sector.

The chamber has connected Iranian firms to opportunities including mining ventures, a US$160 million construction project in Cameroon, and a proposal to build two million housing units in Zambia.

Barhaman urged Iranian companies to make use of global trade events, noting that at a recent expo 500 of 2,500 foreign participants were from Africa, offering strong networking opportunities.

In a related session, Mojtaba Mousavian, former Iranian commercial attaché in Moscow, said expanding ties with Russia and the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) could help counter renewed “snapback” sanctions.

He noted that Iran’s 15 neighboring countries import over $1.2 trillion in goods annually, but Iran’s share is only $30b. Increasing this to 5% could lift exports to US$60 billion.

Mousavian pointed to Russia — “the world’s most heavily sanctioned country” — as a market with fresh openings. Western exits have left space in sectors such as Russia’s $1.2b ceramic-tile market, once dominated by Italy and Spain, and in seafood imports formerly supplied by Norway and Canada.

A new free-trade agreement with the EAEU, covering 7,500 tariff lines (87% of goods) and reducing duties nearly to zero, has helped raise Iranian exports to Russia from $458m in 2019 to over $1.1b in 2024, shifting trade toward higher-value industrial goods.

Experts stressed that attractive, market-appropriate packaging can make or break sales in both African and Eurasian markets.

Marketing specialist Maziar Ghasemzadeh warned against entering new markets without a packaging strategy. Russian consumers, he said, “judge products first by packaging quality, then by price.”

With packaging having just 1.5 seconds to capture a buyer’s attention, he emphasized design, color choices, culturally appropriate images, and labeling in local languages.

He advised exporters to test packaging in target markets and use tools such as SWOT, PESTEL, and Porter’s Five Forces. Even modest but well-executed packaging, he said, can increase profits by at least 15% compared to bulk sales.

Trade consultant Alireza Hatamifar identified Africa’s under-developed printing and packaging industry as a promising field for Iranian businesses.

“African consumers appreciate good design and pay more for quality packaging,” he said. Local packaging often remains basic, allowing imports to stand out on store shelves.

Hatamifar described Africa as “a continent of contrasts,” where informal street vendors coexist with modern malls — evidence of rising consumer demand. He noted that Africa’s 1.4 billion population is projected to double by 2050, while urbanization is expected to climb from 36% in 2010 to over 60%, further driving demand for packaged goods.

The post Sanctions “No Barrier” to Iran’s African Trade appeared first on Iran News Daily.

TEHRAN (Iran News) Khan reported that ECO’s total trade in 2023–24 reached approximately $1.016 trillion, or 4–5% of global trade, but only $110 billion occurred within the bloc — around 8–9% of total trade.

“This share has barely changed over the years and lags far behind other regional blocs,” he noted. “For comparison, intra-EU trade accounts for 60–65%, while ASEAN’s is 30–35%.”

Khan attributed this gap to the region’s reliance on raw materials and fossil fuel exports, emphasizing the need to shift toward higher-value goods and services. He added that ECO’s 2015–2025 roadmap achieved progress in freer movement of goods, capital, and people, as well as regional transport connectivity, though large-scale infrastructure remains capital-intensive. The forthcoming Strategic Vision 2026–2035 will set the course for the next decade.

Khan praised Iran’s role in reactivating ECO’s long-dormant ministerial meetings. “The trade ministers’ meeting had not been held for 14 years. This year, we successfully convened transport and tourism ministers, with sessions for interior and agriculture ministers scheduled as well,” he said.

A regional customs agreement is also expected to be finalized at the next trade ministers’ summit on November 26, aiming to digitize procedures, reduce transport costs, and harmonize customs operations. “Landlocked members rely on countries with sea access, such as Iran, Pakistan, and Turkey, to lower transit costs and time,” Khan noted.

Khan highlighted ECO’s vulnerability to floods, droughts, wildfires, and glacial melt, stressing the need for coordinated action. ECO’s Energy Center in Baku is working to promote sustainable and circular economic practices across the region.

He acknowledged challenges in coordinating diverse economies — including differing WTO membership, tariff structures, and technical barriers like rail gauge differences — but saw these differences as opportunities for complementary economic growth.

On relations with other regional organizations, including the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), Khan emphasized complementarity rather than rivalry. “ECO focuses on trade and economic cooperation, while SCO prioritizes security. We see potential for collaboration, not competition,” he said. ECO also works with CICA, the Organization of Turkic States, and the CIS to exchange best practices.

Khan underlined the interconnection of trade, transport, and tourism. “Connectivity alone is meaningless without goods to move or visas for drivers,” he said.

He also stressed cooperation in food security, science, technology, and AI, pointing to the region’s youthful population. He welcomed Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian’s proposal at the recent ECO Summit to establish a regional AI cooperation center and a youth start-up fund. ECO’s Science Foundation in Pakistan will play a key role in research and educational collaboration.

Khan confirmed that ECO is examining shared payment systems and potentially a common currency, particularly to facilitate trade with members under international sanctions.

“We need reliable mechanisms to trade without obstacles,” he said, noting that reducing border transit times and harmonizing standards — especially in agriculture — remain critical.

“ECO’s unique historical, cultural, and linguistic ties give us a strong foundation,” Khan concluded. “By aligning strategies and modernizing trade mechanisms, we can unlock the region’s full potential and strengthen economic integration for all members.”

The post ECO Considers Common Currency by 2035 as Intra-Regional Trade Remains Low at 8% appeared first on Iran News Daily.

TEHRAN (Iran News) Speaking at the opening ceremony of the 22nd Joint Economic Commission between Iran and Pakistan on Monday, Sadegh described the meeting as a turning point in strengthening economic ties between the two neighboring Muslim nations.

She highlighted the long-standing relationship between Tehran and Islamabad, noting that the commission could pave the way for cooperation in trade, banking, transit, energy, agriculture, and culture.

Sadegh thanked Pakistan for its continued support of Iran on bilateral, regional, and international levels, particularly in the aftermath of Israel’s 12-day assault on Iran earlier this year. She said the gesture reflected the depth of friendship between the two nations and Pakistan’s constructive role in regional stability.

According to official figures, bilateral trade between Iran and Pakistan reached $3.129 billion in 2024, with $2.423 billion in Iranian exports to Pakistan and $700 million in Pakistani exports to Iran.

During President Masoud Pezeshkian’s recent visit to Islamabad, the two countries agreed to set a target of $10 billion in annual trade, a goal that Sadegh described as a sign of strong political will on both sides.

She proposed that within the next three months, the roadmap for achieving this target should be drafted and signed by the relevant ministers. Establishing a secure financial channel and strengthening banking relations, she added, would be essential to this process.

Sadegh emphasized the need to upgrade transport infrastructure, including expanding border facilities at Mirjaveh and Taftan, and advancing the Zahedan–Taftan–Quetta railway project.

She also called for launching new shipping lines between Karachi (Port Qasim and Gwadar) and Iranian ports such as Chabahar and Bandar Abbas.

Highlighting progress in air transport, she noted the inauguration of direct flights between Tehran and Islamabad on September 8, and urged further expansion of flight destinations, airport cooperation, and air fleet exchanges along regional corridors.

The minister also revealed plans to launch a monthly ECO freight train on the Islamabad–Tehran–Istanbul route, calling it a strategic regional railway project.

Sadegh underlined Iran’s readiness to expand agricultural exports to Pakistan and stressed energy cooperation. She announced the official operation of the 132-kilovolt Plan–Jiwani power line and highlighted new initiatives in fiber-optic connectivity and communications.

The minister also referred to plans to increase the number of joint border markets, announcing that the Pishin–Mand market will reopen on August 30, 2025, creating new opportunities for local trade and employment.

She further encouraged the formation of joint committees to boost cultural, scientific, and tourism exchanges between the two countries.

The Minister of Roads and Urban Development also emphasized the significant potential for cooperation in the fields of tourism and handicrafts, suggesting that these areas could be further developed through the organization of meetings, seminars, and cultural weeks.” Trade Roadmap ”

Concluding her remarks, Sadegh expressed hope that the commission’s negotiations and final agreements would lead to “practical and effective steps” in strengthening economic and trade cooperation between Iran and Pakistan.

The post Iran, Pakistan to Draft $10b Trade Roadmap Within Three Months appeared first on Iran News Daily.

TEHRAN (Iran News) Speaking to Iran Chamber Online, Ramadan Bahrami highlighted the “stable and friendly” nature of Iran’s trade relations with Turkmenistan, stressing that despite regional and international tensions, private sector cooperation between the two countries has consistently grown.

“This year, the first Turkmenistan exhibition was held in Iran, showcasing the country’s industrial and commercial capabilities,” Bahrami said, noting that around 60 Turkmen companies participated and several contracts were signed with Iranian businesses.

According to Bahrami, trade between the two countries amounted to just $6 million last year, but a series of upcoming trade delegations is expected to significantly boost this figure. Iranian delegations from Razavi Khorasan and Golestan provinces will soon visit Turkmenistan, while five Turkmen trade missions are scheduled to travel to Iran.

Bahrami emphasized that such exchanges are vital to expanding economic ties but criticized the lack of sufficient government support. “Our only real backing comes from the Chamber of Commerce. Unfortunately, the government has not played its supportive role effectively,” he said.

He called on government experts to trust the private sector in major projects in fields such as energy, petrochemicals, construction, and road development. “Decisions should not be made without consulting the private sector, only for us to learn about them later through Turkmen counterparts,” he added.

The Iranian official praised cooperation from both Iran’s embassy in Ashgabat and Turkmenistan’s embassy in Tehran, describing diplomatic support as “very constructive.”

With more than 1,200 kilometers of shared land and sea borders, four official border crossings, and additional trade routes through northern Iranian ports such as Bandar Anzali, Bahrami believes the two countries have significant untapped potential.

“Taking advantage of these opportunities, alongside expanding trade delegations, we have set a goal of reaching $3 billion in trade within three years,” he said.

However, he warned that restrictive government regulations remain a major obstacle. “To achieve this target, the government must avoid unnecessary interference and parallel activities that undermine the private sector. If they trust us and let us work, we will definitely achieve this goal.”

Bahrami also pointed to challenges in financial transactions and barter mechanisms but stressed that the private sector is finding its own solutions. “The Turkmen government is eager to strengthen relations with Iran, but when unqualified actors are pushed into major projects, it damages trust in our private sector. That is something we must prevent,” he concluded.

The post Iran, Turkmenistan Aim to Boost Trade to $3b Within Three Years appeared first on Iran News Daily.

TEHRAN (Iran News) Mehrdad Saadat referred to the 12-day aggression by the Zionist regime against Iran, emphasizing that this assault led to greater unity among the people, economic actors, and the government.

“A strong sense of solidarity has been created, and we can successfully overcome this period,” Saadat said. He stressed that in these circumstances, officials must appreciate the resilience and patience of the people and act swiftly to meet their needs.

Saadat highlighted that in recent days, both citizens and officials have played their part in defending the country’s territorial integrity. In particular, he praised the private sector and producers for stepping up to increase production, aiming to prevent economic pressure on society and avoid unemployment or financial crises.

“Fortunately, people have always been making sacrifices for the country, and thanks to this unity among citizens, economic actors, and the government, we can get through the current situation with our heads held high,” he added. Saadat cited examples such as factories adding extra work shifts to meet public demand quickly and efficiently.

He firmly rejected claims that the war had hampered domestic production and trade, stating: “Contrary to what enemies imagined, the war has not caused any problems for the country’s production and trade.”

Referring to the lessons learned from the eight-year Iran–Iraq war, Saadat noted that economic players have valuable experience in crisis management. “With the start of the Zionist regime’s aggression, many producers, supported by the government, intensified their efforts to boost production and meet public needs,” he said.

The head of the Iran–Turkey Joint Chamber of Commerce also mentioned that members of joint chambers, including Iran–Turkey, continued their production and trade activities without disruption to the economic system. Saadat also pointed out that Turkey had condemned Israel’s attacks on Iran and had stood by Iran during the crisis.” Foreign Trade ”

Addressing the currency market, Saadat explained that since the beginning of the recent conflict, the national currency’s exchange rate had increased by only about 10 percent. He stressed that higher production and exports would bring in more foreign currency, giving the Central Bank greater flexibility to manage the market.

Producers, Saadat said, consistently seek exchange rate stability to better plan their production strategies. “They have turned threats into a major opportunity to keep the wheels of production moving faster,” he added.

In conclusion, Saadat emphasized that the country’s foreign exchange reserves are in good shape. With rising oil prices and export growth, reserves are expected to increase further, which will, in turn, make it easier to manage the currency market and curb volatility.

The post Forex Reserves and Foreign Trade in Good Condition appeared first on Iran News Daily.

TEHRAN (Iran News) Jahanbakhsh Sanjabi Shirazi, speaking to ILNA, stated that the borders between Iran and Iraq are operating normally. “Apart from a brief three-day closure, there has been no significant disruption in trade activities,” he said.

According to Shirazi, the field observations show that the ongoing conflict has not had a noticeable impact on exports to or imports from Iraq. “Most of our land borders with Iraq are active, and trade between the two nations is continuing as usual,” he affirmed.

When asked about trade volume, Shirazi explained that Iran’s customs office publishes official export and import statistics every three months. Therefore, updated data for the current period has not yet been released.

However, he acknowledged that there was a temporary decline in trade in early May due to a reduction in available trucks, increased transportation fees, and higher freight costs. “Despite this brief downturn, trade activity rebounded later in May and early June, even surpassing the same 45-day period of last year,” he noted.

Shirazi concluded by saying that the official customs data to be published in early July 2025 will confirm this recovery in trade between Iran and Iraq.

According to Shirazi, the field observations show that the ongoing conflict has not had a noticeable impact on exports to or imports from Iraq. “Most of our land borders with Iraq are active, and trade between the two nations is continuing as usual,” he affirmed.

When asked about trade volume, Shirazi explained that Iran’s customs office publishes official export and import statistics every three months. Therefore, updated data for the current period has not yet been released.

However, he acknowledged that there was a temporary decline in trade in early May due to a reduction in available trucks, increased transportation fees, and higher freight costs. “Despite this brief downturn, trade activity rebounded later in May and early June, even surpassing the same 45-day period of last year,” he noted.

The post Iran-Iraq Trade Continues Uninterrupted Despite Regional Tensions appeared first on Iran News Daily.

TEHRAN (Iran News) Speaking at the Regional Economic Diplomacy Summit in Shiraz on Thursday, attended by the Foreign Minister and consuls from Gulf countries, Mohammad Reza Farzin emphasized the necessity of financial relations for international trade.

“If we want to trade with the world, we are obliged to have monetary and banking relations,” Farzin stated. “No trade can happen without them. For example, last year, Iran’s trade volume exceeded $200 billion. Comparing this to our GDP, over 40% of our economy is trade-related — a ratio even higher than that of Japan.”

He added that despite all the difficulties Iran faces in financial exchanges, it remains on the path of expanding its trade. “To develop our position as an open economy, given our historical and regional standing, we must expand monetary and banking relations,” he said.

Farzin underscored that Iran is focusing on trade with global partners, especially its main trading allies. “To this end, we have removed the US dollar from our transactions. For instance, banking relations between Iran and Russia have already been established.”

He continued, “We have implemented a model with Russia, and if we can replicate it with our other trade partners, we can introduce a new global trade framework. Even countries facing Western sanctions can benefit from this approach.”

Referring to foreign currency bond sales as a modern tool for advancing the country’s financial sector, Farzin noted, “We began selling foreign currency bonds at the exchange center last year. So far, $460 million has been sold, and we plan to increase this to $2 billion by the end of the year. We also aim to expand these sales to foreign stock exchanges.”

Farzin reiterated that achieving economic development hinges on international trade, which in turn requires financial interactions. “The mechanisms we designed during the sanctions have been highly effective,” he said. “Through our tailored systems, we have created new ways of engagement. However, we still need to intensify efforts, especially in attracting foreign investment.”

“To support this,” he continued, “we introduced a policy last year to convert our 50 overseas branches into centers for attracting foreign resources. These branches are staffed with experienced personnel who have strong knowledge of the countries they operate in.”

During the National Development Fund Conference, Farzin also highlighted a major issue in the country’s economic planning. “I raised the matter of credit allocation, which has now become a pressing concern. We have not directed credit properly, leading to unnecessary projects in certain regions. There are serious shortcomings in national land use planning and our industrial strategy.”

He emphasized the need to develop an industrial strategy based on Iran’s competitive advantages to properly allocate credit, funds, and resources. “The new Central Bank law views justice through the lens of equitable credit distribution — meaning banking resources and liquidity should be allocated in line with the advantages of each region across the country.”

The summit, which started on Thursday and runs through Friday, is part of a series of provincial economic diplomacy events led by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. In addition to speeches by the Foreign Minister, provincial governors, and officials, the event features academic panels on the capacities and challenges of participating provinces.

According to the report, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs plans to host five such summits across the country to bolster regional economic diplomacy. Fars Province, given its significant potential and role as the liaison for Gulf countries, was selected as the host of the first summit.

The event is co-organized by the Fars Provincial Government in collaboration with the Chamber of Commerce, Shiraz City Council, and the Municipality of Shiraz.

The post Trade With the World Impossible Without Financial and Banking Relations appeared first on Iran News Daily.

TEHRAN (Iran News) In a statement to ILNA following the approval of a bill ratifying the agreement between the governments of Iran and Japan on mutual administrative assistance in customs matters, Hossein Selahvarzi emphasized the long-standing and respectful diplomatic ties between the two nations. “Diplomatic relations between Iran and Japan date back to 1929. Aside from a temporary interruption during World War II, bilateral relations have been friendly and based on mutual respect,” he said.

Selahvarzi recalled the peak of economic relations in the 1950s when Japan was one of Iran’s top crude oil customers. In exchange, Iran imported vehicles, electronic goods, and industrial equipment from Japan, with cultural relations also flourishing. He also noted the historic 2019 visit of the Japanese Prime Minister to Iran — the first since the Islamic Revolution.

He stated that Japan remains one of the few major economic powers that has never exploited Iran. The newly ratified customs cooperation agreement, he explained, is essentially an international treaty that provides a legal and operational framework for mutual support. “In normal, sanction-free conditions, such an agreement could have facilitated trade and eased customs procedures. However, even under current maximum-pressure sanctions from the U.S., the agreement can still help enhance bilateral relations,” he added.

Selahvarzi also highlighted the broader benefits of the agreement, particularly in tackling transnational crimes like drug trafficking and customs violations. “Japan plays a key role in global politics and the economy, while Iran is a strategic transit point between Asia and Europe. This agreement could lead to improved cooperation and sends a message that Iran welcomes constructive international engagement and seeks to revive ties with longstanding partners like Japan,” he noted.

When asked whether the agreement could boost trade in non-sanctioned goods, Selahvarzi warned against oversimplifying the issue. “It’s not just about which items are sanctioned. When financial transactions are blocked, even importing essential goods like medicine becomes a challenge. These restrictions disrupt all forms of trade, including non-sanctioned goods,” he explained.

Addressing current trade figures, Selahvarzi confirmed that official trade statistics remain minimal due to Japan’s strict compliance with sanctions. “However, a significant portion of our trade is being channeled through third countries. A wide variety of Iranian goods — particularly dried fruits and food products — are reaching Japan this way, and Japanese products are also finding their way to Iran via intermediaries,” he concluded.

The post Tehran-Tokyo Trade Continues via Third Countries appeared first on Iran News Daily.

TEHRAN (Iran News) Aqaee reflected on Iran Expo 2024, noting that while the event attracted over 3,000 foreign visitors, many of them were not professional traders. He emphasized the critical role of joint chambers of commerce in inviting targeted foreign guests to such events. “In Iran Expo 2024, we had a large number of foreign visitors, but many were not professional traders,” he said. Looking ahead to Iran Expo 2025, Aqaee expressed hope that collaboration between the Iran Chamber of Commerce, joint chambers, and embassies of target countries would ensure a more refined selection of attendees, prioritizing professional traders.

Despite limited resources, Aqaee stressed the need for purposeful action at Iran Expo 2025, stating, “The expo undoubtedly contributes to enhancing our export capabilities. Many visitors are astonished when they see our potential.” He added that such events serve as a platform for public diplomacy, allowing foreign traders to discover the capabilities of Iranian companies firsthand.

However, Aqaee pointed out a major barrier to capitalizing on this interest: “Traders from various countries visit Iran, witness our capabilities, and show great enthusiasm for cooperation and signing contracts. But due to FATF issues and sanctions, we cannot initiate serious collaboration.” The Financial Action Task Force (FATF) restrictions and ongoing sanctions continue to limit Iran’s ability to engage fully in international trade.

To address these challenges, Aqaee called for stronger government-level negotiations, noting that some issues cannot be resolved solely by the private sector. “These problems require agreements at the governmental level,” he said.

In preparation for Iran Expo 2025, the Iran-Uzbekistan Joint Chamber of Commerce is actively inviting Uzbek traders and organizing events, including B2B meetings with Iranian counterparts, to foster trade ties despite the existing constraints.

The post Sanctions and Financial Hurdles Impede Serious Steps in Trade appeared first on Iran News Daily.