President of Iran Chamber of Commerce, Industries, Mines and Agriculture on Wednesday highlighted weak transportation infrastructure, regulatory misalignment, and lack of data transparency as major barriers to expanding trade between Iran and the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU).
Speaking during a joint meeting with Andrey Slepnev, Minister in charge of Trade of the Eurasian Economic Commission, Samad Hassanzadeh called for comprehensive reforms to facilitate cross-border commerce.
“The outdated and insufficient rail and road systems in both Iran and parts of Eurasia are significant obstacles to speeding up exports and imports,” Hasanzadeh said during the Iranian trade delegation’s visit to Russia.
He also noted the challenges arising from inconsistent standards and the lack of mutual recognition mechanisms, stating that “strict enforcement of standards in some countries has created bottlenecks for certain Iranian goods.”
Hassanzadeh pointed to the limited availability of accurate and up-to-date commercial data as another impediment to business, citing “a lack of transparency in trade, customs, and standards information” as a cause for diminished trust and slower corporate decision-making.
Outlining a nine-point roadmap to deepen trade ties with the EAEU, Hassanzadeh proposed measures including specialized training sessions, improved logistics and transport systems, regulatory harmonization, creation of a shared trade data platform, support for networking and marketing, financial and advisory services, human capital development, proper enforcement and simplification of rules of origin, and the establishment of a dispute resolution mechanism.
He emphasized the need for more promotional and educational events to familiarize Iranian entrepreneurs with Eurasian markets, trade laws, and procedures.
“A joint digital platform for real-time data sharing on tariffs, regulations, standards, and customs laws is essential for reducing uncertainty and streamlining operations,” he added.
Iran and the EAEU have sought to bolster trade relations in recent years amid shifting geopolitical alliances and sanctions affecting both sides.