INSUBCONTINENT EXCLUSIVE:
TEHRAN- The value of non-oil export from West Azarbaijan province, in the northwest of Iran, rose 62 percent in the first ten months of the
current Iranian calendar year (March 20, 2024-January 19, 2025), as compared to the same period of time in the past year, according to a
commodities worth $1.6 billion were exported from the province in the ten-month period, indicating 26 percent growth in terms of weight as
well.The official also announced that 37,000 tons of goods valued at $57 million were imported to the province in the first ten months of
reached approximately $48 billion in the first 10 months of the current Iranian year, marking an 18 percent increase compared to the same
period last year.Foroud Asgari said the country's total foreign trade during this period amounted to 158.18 million tons, valued at $103.85
billion.Out of this, exports accounted for 127.4 million tons worth $47.76 billion, reflecting a 12 percent rise in volume and an 18 percent
Arab Emirates ($5.9 billion), and Turkey ($5.5 billion).During the same period, Iran imported 30.78 million tons of goods worth $56 billion,
showing a 3.0 percent decrease in volume but a 3.0 percent rise in value
Major imports included $6.3 billion in gold bullion, $2.3 billion in livestock corn, $1.8 billion in smartphones, and $1.6 billion in
billion), and Germany ($1.9 billion).He also noted a sharp increase in car imports, with 41,297 vehicles worth $877 million entering the
country, marking a 709 percent surge in quantity and a 744 percent rise in value compared to the same period last year.Asgari, who also
serves as deputy economy minister, emphasized the role of trade in bolstering the national economy amid ongoing international sanctions.The
11th session of the Supreme Council for the Development of Non-Oil Exports was held after a four-year hiatus, with the participation of
Organization (TPO), highlighted the significance of this council, which had been inactive for nearly four years.He noted that the council
had played a key role in national decision-making processes before falling into disuse.Dehnavi explained that the revival of the council was
return was laid, culminating in its 11th session.The session, chaired by First Vice President Mohammad Reza Aref, brought together all
council members to discuss pressing trade issues
despite a positive overall trade balance
The Vice President tasked the TPOI with reversing this trend by boosting non-oil exports.The council identified several obstacles hindering
foreign trade, including excessive regulations, insufficient infrastructure for exports (such as transportation and customs facilities), and
challenges in export-related policies.Dehnavi emphasized the need to align monetary and trade policies, as the former has often overshadowed
The council resolved to reform trade policies to address these issues.Several proposals were approved, including holding regular council
sessions and establishing provincial export development task forces led by governors
These initiatives aim to make export promotion a nationwide campaign.The council also discussed a strategic roadmap for free trade zones,
aiming to transform these areas into export hubs
The TPO is preparing this document with council support.Additionally, collaboration with the private sector was emphasized to identify and
implement high-impact export projects.Other topics included reforms in re-exports and temporary imports, with a task force comprising
customs, agriculture, health, and trade organizations formed to streamline processes
The pricing of export goods at customs was also debated, with calls for a review to enhance coordination among export-related bodies.The
session concluded with plans to establish specialized commissions to maintain continuity between council meetings and ensure effective
decision-making in foreign trade.MA
