TEHRAN – Iran has sent its largest trade delegation in the past decade to Russia, comprising about 30 government officials and 180 representatives of chambers of commerce, traders, and economic activists, an official at the Trade Promotion Organization of Iran (TPO) says.
Amir Roshanbakhsh, TPO deputy for the promotion of international business, said on Sunday the delegation includes officials at the level of provincial governors and deputy ministers, as well as economic representatives from several Iranian provinces, including Tehran, Bushehr, Gilan, Khuzestan, and Fars.
He said the delegation’s visit coincides with two major international trade events in Russia: The WorldFood Moscow exhibition, scheduled for September 15-18, and the Global Fishery Forum and Seafood Expo Russia in St. Petersburg, held from September 16-18.
A significant part of the Iranian delegation’s program will focus on using the opportunities provided by the exhibitions.
Roshanbakhsh said the trade agreements and arrangements established under Iran’s free trade agreement with the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) have helped encourage traders to take part in the visit.
He described the large delegation as an indication of the expanding trade environment between Iranian traders and Eurasian countries, saying international and regional agreements can play an effective and decisive role in developing and facilitating trade.
The official added that despite rising travel costs, private-sector businesses were willing to spend money to participate in such events in order to expand their markets and gain new export markets.