Iran Pavilion Opens at China International Import Expo in Shanghai

The national and commercial pavilion of the Islamic Republic of Iran has opened at the China International Import Expo (CIIE) in Shanghai. This was announced by the Assistant Head of the Organization and General Director of the East and Subcontinental Office of the Iranian Trade Promotion Organization.

According to the Public Relations Department of the Iranian Trade Promotion Organization, Abdolsade Nisai highlighted the significance of CIIE, calling it one of China's most important trade and international events. This year, the expo gathered over 162 countries across an area exceeding 440,000 square meters.

According to statements from this official representative of the Iranian Trade Promotion Organization, 4,142 foreign companies are participating in the commercial sector, while 69 countries and international organizations are represented in the national pavilions. Among the participants are also 300 companies from the Fortune Global 500 list.

Regarding the details of establishing the I.R. Iran pavilion under the auspices of the Iranian Trade Promotion Organization, Nisai reported that the Iranian commercial pavilion began operating with the participation of over 50 companies across an area of 3,600 square meters. These companies include both Chinese residents and participants from Iran. Iranian firms showcased their products and capabilities in areas such as food industry and consumer goods, handicrafts, petrochemicals, mining, technology, and knowledge.

Nisai emphasized the supportive role of the Chambers of Commerce of Tehran and Birjand, noting that the participation of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) was made possible by their support. He expressed hope that major petrochemical and mining enterprises, by supporting SMEs, would secure a broader presence at authoritative international exhibitions.

In conclusion, the Assistant Head of the Organization and General Director of the East and Subcontinental Office of the Iranian Trade Promotion Organization stated that supplying export products with advanced technologies and considering future trends in the Chinese economy—especially the digital economy, energy transition, and environmental protection—is one of the key focuses of participation at this exhibition. He also added that utilizing online sales platforms is viewed as a tool for developing exports and entering the Chinese market.

It should be noted that the opening ceremony of the Iranian national pavilion was attended by the Ambassador of the Islamic Republic of Iran to Beijing, the Assistant Head of the Organization and General Director of the East and Subcontinental Office of the Iranian Trade Promotion Organization, Iranian commercial counselors in China, the Director General of the Ministry of Commerce of China, and several other officials.

The pavilion of the Tehran Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mining, and Agriculture (TCCIMA) at the ninth session of the China Import Expo (CIIE 2026) was officially opened on Friday with the participation of the President and Secretary-General of the Chamber. After two consecutive participations in this expo, the Tehran Chamber is participating in CIIE for the third consecutive year, providing a platform to seek cooperation opportunities with Chinese economic players and showcase the potential of Iranian companies.

Mahmoud Najafi Arab, President of the Tehran Chamber, emphasized the necessity of active participation of the Iranian private sector in global markets during the opening of the Chamber's specialized pavilion at the IX China International Import Expo (CIIE 2026). He deemed the role of Chambers of Commerce vital and influential in organizing the presence of economic enterprises, presenting the country's production and export capabilities, and establishing links between Iranian economic entities and target markets.

Referring to the long-standing relationship between Iran and China, the President of the Tehran Chamber described participation in major expos like CIIE as an opportunity to present and study the trade potential of the two countries in the fields of energy, petrochemicals, mining and mineral industry, food industry, agriculture, pharmaceuticals, technical and engineering services, and human resources. He stated that 'the Iranian market and our country's geographical location have provided unique opportunities for Chinese companies and can create mutual and sustainable cooperation.'

Najafi Arab, speaking about the Tehran Chamber's approach to expanding trade interaction between Iranian and Chinese companies beyond the traditional buyer-seller model, stressed the importance of developing joint cooperation, technology and technical experience transfer, and strengthening the production capacities of enterprises in both countries.

As in previous years, to support economic associations and develop the export of Iranian products, the Tehran Chamber ensured the presence of five active private companies at this exhibition. The Tehran Chamber's pavilion is located in Hall 7.1 of the China Import Expo, where representatives of enterprises engaged in the food industry and agriculture, dates, dairy products, saffron, sweets, and chocolate are present.

During a joint meeting between the President and Secretary-General of the Tehran Chamber and Iranian traders residing in Eastern China, which took place in the presence of the Iranian Ambassador to China and the head of the Iranian Consulate in Shanghai prior to the opening of the IX China International Import Expo (CIIE 2026), obstacles to the development of Iran-China trade were identified, and solutions were proposed to strengthen bilateral trade relations in the areas of investment, identifying high-yield products for export markets, and supporting economic entities.

The Tehran Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mining, and Agriculture, in collaboration with the Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Iran in Beijing and the country's consulate in Shanghai, held a meeting with Iranians residing in Eastern China and a group of businessmen. At this meeting, held in the presence of the Governor of South Khorasan Province, the head of the Iranian Investment, Economic, and Technical Assistance Organization, the President of the Birjand Chamber, and representatives of the Iranian Trade Promotion Organization, as well as the Iranian Jewish Chamber of Commerce in Eastern China, the opportunities and resources of the Tehran Chamber for serving economic entities in Eastern China were explained.

During this joint meeting, Mehdi Farazi, the head of the Iranian Consulate in Shanghai, reported the presence of 20 private entities representing Iranian merchants and business owners in Eastern China. According to him, the meeting was organized to study target markets, voice the problems of economic entities, and resolve difficulties related to monetary and banking transfers, logistics, achieving stable sales, and strengthening investments.

At this gathering, Mahmoud Najafi Arab, President of the Tehran Chamber, referencing the presence of representatives from South Khorasan Province, including the governor, the Chamber president, and agricultural and food industry producers from this province, as well as the region's potential for export development, addressed issues caused by trade route restrictions and economic sanctions.

He also discussed the Tehran Chamber's scientific research cooperation with the Strategic Deputy of the Presidency aimed at decentralizing southern ports and strengthening alternative transport and logistics routes to facilitate the country's trade exchanges. Najafi Arab noted that 'China is one of Iran's main trading partners, and exchange with this country can be expanded through investment and knowledge and technology transfer.' He added that the Tehran Chamber is establishing representations in some Chinese cities to simplify economic interactions for private entities. Similarly, the Tehran Chamber has established a representation of the Khorgos International Chamber of Commerce, and the Tehran Chamber has also placed a representative in this region.

In another part of his speeches, the President of the Tehran Chamber spoke about the need for continuous interaction between the government and the private sector to develop the export of Iranian products, joint production, and increase investments to control the country's energy imbalance. He pointed out that 'many raw materials for factories, pharmaceutical equipment, and medical equipment are imported into the country from China,' and stated that measures must be taken to support economic entities and facilitate the process of foreign trade.

The President of the Tehran Chamber also called on traders and experts to take steps to turn threats into opportunities and develop the country's economic exchanges by providing practical opinions and suggestions.

Private Efforts to Maintain the Saffron Export Market Chain

Continuing the meeting, Mohammad Ali Rezaei Kamal Abad, President of the Iranian Union of Medicinal Plants, Saffron, and Food Products, announced the launch of a factory in the Khorgos region to enter the Chinese market. He quoted a 2023 report stating that the global turnover of medicinal plants amounted to about $120 billion and continues to grow, with projections that the turnover of these products will soon reach $200 billion.

Rezaei expressed regret over Iran's small share in saffron exports, noting that despite cultural promotion of saffron use for non-medical purposes, the import of this product into China via Iran is less than 30 tons, and the country supplies its saffron through intermediary countries such as the UAE and Afghanistan. He thanked the Tehran Chamber for creating mechanisms to facilitate the transportation of goods in connection with China and asked the Iranian ambassador to the country to consider ways to develop saffron exports, given its high added value.

During this meeting, economic entities residing in Eastern China raised a number of issues, including restrictions on currency and banking operations, Iran's small share of trade with China compared to other countries, low product prices, and the lack of a reliable export market, lengthy order registration processes, high logistics costs, and restrictions on transport routes. The issue of some Chinese universities not accepting Iranian students was also raised, which, according to the economic entities, hinders the empowerment of the private sector. It was suggested that infrastructure activities involving Chinese universities be carried out by various organizations and institutions. Members of the Iranian Jewish Chamber of Commerce in Eastern China also announced the readiness of their institution to start joint projects with the Tehran Chamber.

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cgtn.comNovember 5, 07:55

9th China International Import Expo Opens in Shanghai

The 9th China International Import Expo (CIIE) opened in Shanghai on Thursday—the first national-level exhibition dedicated to global imports. The event attracted thousands of international companies interested in the opportunities within the Chinese market.

China's Vice Premier, Ding Xuexiang, delivered the keynote speech at the opening ceremony. The expo runs from November 5 to 10, and according to the Ministry of Commerce, it has gathered 4,142 foreign exhibitors covering an area exceeding 440,000 square meters.

Exhibitors from the United States occupy over 50,000 square meters, marking the eighth consecutive year of leading positions. Leading participants also include companies from Germany, the United Kingdom, and France. Over 300 companies from the Fortune Global 500 list and industry leaders are expected to participate, a record figure; furthermore, more than 2,000 companies are debuting at the expo.

This year, CIIE maintains six main exhibition zones and an innovation incubation section. These zones cover areas such as intelligent industry and information technology, consumer goods, food and agriculture, automotive and smart mobility, medical devices and healthcare products, and trade services.

The innovation incubation section features 633 technology and innovation projects from nearly 40 countries and regions, which is almost 20% more than the previous edition. Since its launch in 2018, CIIE has continuously attracted international businesses of all sizes, providing them with a platform to present new products to Chinese consumers and expand their presence in the world's second-largest consumer market.

Eight past sessions have drawn over 180 countries, regions, and international organizations, and have witnessed the debut of more than 3,400 new products, technologies, and services, with the total estimated transaction volume exceeding $580 billion.

Danish pharmaceutical giant Novo Nordisk, which has participated in all eight previous editions, is showcasing a range of medications at the current event, including Kyinsu—an injection for treating type 2 diabetes administered weekly. Mike Dowdstar, President and CEO of Novo Nordisk, noted: 'CIIE has become an important part of our work in China. We have participated for nine consecutive years, and many medicines we first introduced at the expo have since been launched here.'

This year, over 480 products and exhibits are expected to debut in the global, Asian, or Chinese markets, the highest number in the expo's history. Canadian sportswear brand lululemon is also returning for the third time, as China has become the company's second-largest market globally.

www.tehrantimes.comOctober 30, 11:21

International Industrial Exhibition Opens in Tehran with Participation of Foreign Companies

The 26th Tehran International Industrial Exhibition opened on October 28 at the permanent international fairground in Tehran. The event attracted 157 domestic enterprises, including 30 knowledge-based companies, as well as representatives of foreign brands from Germany, Japan, China, Taiwan, and Hong Kong.

At the exhibition, visitors and economic participants are shown production equipment, machine building lines, tools, as well as technical and engineering services. This provides an opportunity to familiarize oneself with the capabilities of manufacturers, their products, and industrial technologies.

Key Highlights of the Exhibition

Particular attention is drawn to the independent participation of Chinese companies and the presence of other countries such as Germany, Japan, Taiwan, and Hong Kong, who are represented through their delegates. Such participation can serve as a basis for a deeper acquaintance with the potential of international firms and the study of trade cooperation opportunities.

The presence of 30 knowledge-oriented companies, alongside other local enterprises, created a platform for presenting innovative achievements and technological products in the industrial sector.

The exhibition was organized on a territory of about 25,000 square meters with the aim of demonstrating Iran's industrial capabilities and supporting the country's economic and trade activities.

The opening ceremony of the 26th Tehran International Industrial Exhibition was attended by Kasra Nouri, CEO of the Islamic Republic of Iran International Exhibitions Company, Seyed Javad Hosseini-Ki, a representative of the Sonkor people in Parliament and a member of the Committee on Industry and Mining, as well as a group of officials, industrialists, and industry participants.

The exhibition will run until October 31, and its goal is to showcase production capacities, develop the industrial goods market, and strengthen ties between manufacturers, technology companies, suppliers, and economic actors.

Statements by Officials

On the occasion of the opening of the 26th International Industrial Exhibition, the Deputy Minister of Industry, Mining, and Trade and Head of the Iranian Trade Promotion Organization stated in his message that industrial exhibitions are a valuable tool for transforming the country's production potential into new trade opportunities, expanding the presence of Iranian firms in regional and global markets, and rethinking the map of Iran's foreign trade.

Mohammad Ali Dehghan Dehnavi emphasized that industry is one of the fundamental foundations of economic growth, productivity improvement, and the development of the country's foreign trade, playing an important role in creating added value, employment, technological development, and increasing the competitiveness of the national economy. He noted that in a context where the development of non-resource exports and a sustainable presence in international markets are prerequisites for achieving the country's economic goals, strengthening industrial capabilities and utilizing the production capacities of local firms represents a strategic necessity.

He characterized specialized industrial exhibitions not merely as a venue for presenting equipment and products, but as a platform for connecting manufacturers, raw material suppliers, machine builders, knowledge-based companies, investors, and participants in domestic and foreign trade. Additionally, he added that such events can contribute to strengthening ties between various circles of production and trade, providing a basis for experience exchange, implementation of technological advancements, identification of market needs, development of industrial cooperation, and conclusion of trade contracts and joint investments.

Dehghan Dehnavi, referring to the country's diverse production, engineering, design, and research and development capabilities, pointed out that the effective utilization of these capabilities requires strengthening the link between industry and technology, improving product quality, increasing productivity, developing innovation, and transitioning to the production of higher value-added products. Furthermore, completing value chains, developing upstream and downstream industries, and strengthening links between large industrial facilities and small and medium-sized enterprises can contribute to deepening domestic production, reducing dependence on imports in sectors where there are advantages, and increasing the competitiveness of Iranian products. At the same time, attention to international standards, target market requirements, and technological development is one of the factors influencing the promotion of Iran's industrial position in regional and global value chains.

The Deputy Minister of Industry, Mining, and Trade reminded that the development of industrial exports is not limited to increasing sales volumes; it requires a precise understanding of target markets, adapting production to customer needs, strengthening distribution and after-sales service networks, and establishing stable trade relations with foreign partners. Targeted presence in international markets, besides expanding the market for Iranian firms, can create a basis for technology transfer, attracting investment, developing technical and engineering cooperation, and increasing the share of high value-added products in the country's export basket. From this perspective, synergy between industrial and trade development policies and active participation of the private sector is one of the criteria for transforming the country's production capabilities into sustainable export advantages.

www.tehrantimes.comOctober 28, 17:10

Tehran hosts international exhibition of mining, construction, and related industries

The 20th International Exhibition of Iranian Mining, Construction Equipment, and Related Industries (IRAN CONMINE 2026) opened in Tehran. The event began on Wednesday with the participation of Mohammad Reza Bahramian, Chairman of the Iranian Mining House, Kasra Nouri, CEO of the Iranian International Exhibition Company, as well as ambassadors from Saudi Arabia, Tajikistan, Kazakhstan, and Indonesia, a representative from the Russian embassy, members of the Iranian Chamber of Directors, and industry specialists.

During the ceremony, Mohammad Reza Bahramian emphasized that this exhibition is a crucial event for the country's mining sector and plays a significant role in achieving the state's economic goals. He noted that IRAN CONMINE serves as a platform for exchanging experience between domestic and foreign figures, developing international cooperation, and seeking new investment opportunities in mineral extraction.

The Chairman of the Iranian Mining House announced that under the Seventh Development Plan, the mining sector is projected to grow by 13 percent. This year's exhibition will focus primarily on finding practical solutions to achieve this goal and removing obstacles to the industry's development. Bahramian also announced an approximate 30 percent increase in the number of exhibitors compared to the previous edition, noting that through planning and optimal management of the exhibition space, it was possible to attract more companies and specialists covering the entire value chain in the mining industry—from exploration and extraction to processing.

Highlighting the international nature of the event, Bahramian stated that representatives from 36 countries will participate in this edition, and the presence of ambassadors and foreign economists will help strengthen international ties and expand cooperation in the mining industry. He also drew attention to the difficulties associated with sanctions, noting that overcoming these conditions requires realistic solutions and political stability, as well as attention to the sector's real and potential capacity.

According to an IRNA report, the 20th International Mining Exhibition of Iran took place over four days at the permanent site of the Tehran International Exhibition, with the participation of 128 domestic and foreign companies. Foreign participants included representatives from China, Japan, and India. IRAN CONMINE functions as a specialized event for the mining industry, showcasing equipment, machinery, products, and services related to mineral extraction.

At the beginning of September, the CEO of the Mining Investment Insurance Fund reported that the fund supports 960 private mines, and 2,815 mining machines have been allocated for procurement and modernization. Ali Khatibi explained in an exclusive interview with IRNA that most operating mines are in the hands of the private sector. Of the total 6,451 operating mines, 6,005 belong to this sector, and the fund has already provided support to 960 mines by issuing credit insurance policies. The purpose of this support is not only to provide financial resources but also to reduce investment risks, which allows mines to be equipped, production capacities to be increased, and production continuity to be guaranteed.

The CEO of the Fund also pointed out exploration as one of the riskiest stages of mining activities. The Fund has insured 1,141 exploration zones, and in the Iranian year 1404 (starting March 2025), 33 exploration investment policies were issued, under which over 65,000 hectares of covered areas entered the exploration phase. Khatibi added that reducing exploration risk enables investors to conduct operations such as drilling and trenching with greater confidence, increasing the probability of discovering and developing new reserves. The Fund also focuses on supporting deep drilling, especially operations at depths exceeding 1,000 meters.

Another area of the Fund's support is equipment modernization. Furthermore, at the end of July, a representative from the Ministry of Industry, Mining, and Trade announced the reactivation of 1,200 inactive mines in the country. A basis was laid for broader private sector participation in the mining industry by delegating some headquarters powers to provinces, streamlining administrative procedures, and offering investment packages.

Ezzatollah Zarei noted in an interview with IRNA that state financial resources alone cannot meet the sector's needs. Therefore, it is necessary to create economic attractiveness and pool resources to attract the private sector to exploration and exploitation of deposits. He emphasized that developing private investment benefits both economic entities and government interests, as mine operation generates revenues such as state royalties, ownership rights, and taxes.

Zarei also stated that the mining industry, alongside the oil industry, can play a significant role in the country's economy. He clarified that the mining industry cannot completely replace oil but has the potential to occupy a larger, or even larger, share in the economy and revenue generation alongside oil. The representative of the Ministry of Industry, Mining, and Trade, citing the goals of the Development Program Law, stated that the mining sector's growth should reach 13.5 percent by the end of the period. Measures have been initiated to achieve this goal, including mine activation, infrastructure development, and simplifying the investment process. Specifically, 1,200 inactive mines have been reactivated, and some powers related to mining areas, inactive mines, and permit transfers have been delegated to provinces to accelerate decision-making.