At the "Iran–India Trade Opportunities and Capacities Conference" held during Iran Expo 2025, both Iranian and Indian officials stressed the need to diversify trade relations beyond the limited products Iran currently exports to India, such as dates, pistachios, and petrochemicals. Hossein Bamiri, Iran’s commercial attaché in India, emphasized that Iranian businesses must align with global trade standards, participate in international events, and focus not just on goods exports but also on services. Khalid Khan, a member of the Iran Trade Center in Mumbai, discussed efforts to expand commercial ties, especially through better access to Chabahar Port, which could facilitate trade. He noted that progress requires sound policies and cooperation between both nations. Masoud Ebrahim Shah, a former advisor to the Malaysian prime minister, spoke about India’s potential in export markets and highlighted trade exhibitions as a key platform for future commercial development. Mahmoud Najafi Arab, head of the Tehran Chamber of Commerce, emphasized the importance of non-sanctioned goods in trade and suggested that lifting sanctions would further strengthen economic relations. He called for finalizing a preferential trade agreement and proposed joint projects in sectors such as food security, smart agriculture, and blockchain. The two sides also discussed establishing a consortium between Iranian and Indian private sectors to develop the International North–South Transit Corridor (INSTC). Ambassador Rudra Gaurav Shresth acknowledged the limitations caused by sanctions but noted that India's investment in Chabahar Port signaled its commitment to engaging with the Iranian market. He proposed converting the preferential trade agreement into a free trade pact focusing on food, agriculture, and pharmaceuticals. Finally, the president of the South Gujarat Chamber of Commerce invited Iranian delegates to an investment and tourism expo in August and proposed signing a cooperation agreement with the Tehran Chamber to strengthen bilateral ties. (ICE TEHERAN)

Fonte notizia: Tehran times