Iraq has emerged as the second-largest destination for Iranian exports, with over $10 billion in goods shipped in the past ten months, according to Foroud Asgari, head of the Islamic Republic of Iran Customs Administration (IRICA). 

Why it matters:

Cooperation with neighboring countries, especially in the trade and economic fields, is one of the priorities of the Islamic Republic of Iran.


What he's saying:

Speaking in Khorramshahr during a meeting focused on fostering trade and economic prosperity in Khorramshahr and Abadan, Asgari noted that Khuzestan Province ranks third nationally in non-oil exports, with a total value of $19.6 billion recorded in the first ten months of the current year. 

He further stated that during this same period, customs authorities facilitated the export of $47 billion worth of non-oil goods. Highlighting a 40 percent increase in non-oil exports from Khuzestan, Asgari emphasized that the province has been instrumental in generating foreign exchange for the country.

Asgari also pointed out Iraq's proximity as a neighboring country, asserting that "given the border between Khuzestan Province and Iraq, we must leverage all legal avenues to enhance our export capabilities."

 

Key points:

  • China, Iraq, the United Arab Emirates, Turkiye, Afghanistan, Pakistan, and India are the main destinations for Iranian exports.
  • After the eight-year war, Iran and Iraq have increased their economic cooperation to the point where today they are also considered economic partners.

 

Go deeper:

Iran's non-oil export sector is experiencing significant growth, reflecting a strategic shift in the country's economy away from oil dependency. This trend is crucial for Iran as it seeks to stabilize its economy amidst ongoing sanctions and fluctuating global oil prices.

Head of IRICA Reports 23% Growth in Iran's Non-Oil Exports

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