President of Iran Chamber of Commerce, Industries, Mines, and Agriculture (ICCIMA) Samad Hassanzadeh has noted that economic fluctuations and sanctions have been hindering Iranian exports over the past decades.
Speaking at a ceremony in Tehran on Sunday to mark the 28th edition of the country’s National Exports Day, Hassanzadeh said that lifting hurdles on the way of the exporters is the best way of commemorating this day.
Noting that the amount of exports is an indication of a country’s economic capability, he stressed that prosperous exports can be achieved in the light of strong and competitive production.
The Iran Chamber of Commerce president referred to an $8 billion trade deficit reported in Iran’s trade exchanges over the first half of the country’s calendar year (March 20 – September 21, 2024), blaming the poor performance on improper trade and forex policies which he believed are against the development of non-oil exports.
He stressed that five trade partner are now the destinations for 73% of Iran’s total exports, arguing that it would allow any simple tension to easily damage foreign exports of Iranian goods.
Hassanzadeh also called for prioritizing the exports of techno-engineering services. “Export of techno-engineering services can act as a driving force in the development of Iran's non-oil exports.”
Referring to “fragile transportation infrastructure” which he said has led to increased export costs, he called on the government to devise a short-term plan to address the issue.
He also urged the need for employment of incentive policies and export incentives in the current situation of the country.
President Masoud Pezeshkian also addressed the ceremony renewing his pledge to pave the way for easier activities of Iranian exporters.
Highlighting the significance of business and businesspeople, the president quoted Imam Ali, the first Shia Imam, when he says the living of all classes of the society relies on the businesspeople.
Minister of Industry, Mine, and Trade Mohammad Atabak was another person to address the ceremony, noting that a 0.5% share of the world exports is not compatible with Iran's geographical and demographic situation.