Trade Promotion Organization of holds Iran-Turkmenistan seminar trade opportunities

(MENAFN) The Trade Promotion Organization (TPO) of Iran recently held a seminar focusing on the trade opportunities between Iran and Turkmenistan, coinciding with preparations for a specialized agrifood exhibition in Turkmenistan, according to the TPO portal. The seminar was attended by key officials including Mahmoud Bazari, the director-general of TPO’s Export Coordination Office, Akbar Godari, head of the organization's Central Asia, Caucasus and Russia office, and Gholam-Abbas Arbab Khales, the former ambassador of Iran to Turkmenistan.

During the seminar, Bazari highlighted the significance of the upcoming Iran Agrofood exhibition in Turkmenistan, describing it as a major event for showcasing Iran's capabilities in the food and agricultural sectors. He emphasized Turkmenistan's potential as an important market for Iranian products and services, noting its strategic position in the International North-South Corridor which could be leveraged to boost exports. Bazari pointed out that Iran's capacity to produce and supply food to the region is recognized in the country's Seventh National Development Plan, and overcoming export obstacles could help achieve the plan's goals.

Godari provided a detailed report on Iran’s export products to Turkmenistan, stating that 80 percent of these exports are mineral sand industrial products, while the remaining 20 percent are agricultural and petrochemical products. He noted the significant potential for growth in this trade relationship, as demonstrated by the 35 percent increase in the trade of food and agricultural products between the two countries in the first two months of the current Iranian calendar year (March 20-May 21). This upward trend has been consistent over the past two years.

In addition to discussing current trade dynamics, Godari mentioned the ongoing efforts to draft a comprehensive economic cooperation document between Iran and Turkmenistan, as announced by TPO Head Mehdi Zeyghami in November 2023. This document aims to further solidify and expand the economic ties between the two nations, building on the progress made in recent years and setting the stage for future collaboration in various sectors.

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