Iran Chamber of Commerce, Industries, Mines and Agriculture

Iran Chamber proposes task force to ensure continuity of foreign trade

Iran Chamber of Commerce has proposed establishing an operational task force involving government agencies and private-sector representatives to maintain foreign trade flows, protect exports and keep businesses operating amid sanctions and maritime transport restrictions.

Samad Hassanzadeh, president of the Iran Chamber of Commerce, Industries, Mines and Agriculture, made the proposal at a national conference of export associations held at the chamber on Monday, ahead of National Export Day. He said safeguarding exports required practical measures, reforms to domestic procedures and coordination among responsible institutions. Hassanzadeh called for the task force to be formed as soon as possible, with the participation of the government, the Iran Chamber, customs authorities, the Central Bank of Iran, the Ports and Maritime Organization and export associations, to prevent further disruption to existing trade flows. He also urged Iran to diversify transport routes by assessing the capacity of northern ports, railways, land borders and regional corridors. Alternative routes should be designed according to the type of goods to ensure that disruptions along one route do not halt exports or supplies of raw materials, he said. Hassanzadeh called for faster customs and border procedures, including expanded electronic document exchanges, coordinated border operating hours, pre-arrival processing and fewer repetitive inspections. Rising transport costs and delays at borders could otherwise impose additional losses on traders, he said. He also urged the development of insurance coverage, credit guarantees and risk-management instruments in cooperation with insurers, financial institutions and business associations to address rising transport risks and protect export contracts. Diversifying export markets was another priority, Hassanzadeh said, warning that Iran’s exports to Iraq could fall to minimal levels next year as higher export costs undermine the competitiveness of Iranian goods. He said suppliers from India, China and Turkey were benefiting from zero tariffs and six-month or one-year letters of credit, making their products more attractive to Iraqi buyers. Hassanzadeh said the chamber’s priority was to help businesses remain operational, preserve employment and support household livelihoods during the current difficulties. Cooperation between the government and the private sector was essential to maintaining economic activity and sustaining foreign trade, he added.
Iran Chamber of Commerce, Industries, Mines and Agriculture

Iran Chamber of Commerce, Industries, Mines and Agriculture

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