ISFAHAN – The first Isfahan International Investment Expo (ISINEX 2025) opened on Wednesday in the central Iranian city to attract domestic and foreign investment.

The two-day event opened with remarks by Amir Keshani, president of the Isfahan Chamber of Commerce, Industries, Mines and Agriculture, who said the province faced a choice between growth and decline. “The only way to overcome water, soil and air crises is responsible investment, development of low-water, high-tech and clean industries, and innovation,” he underlined.

Keshani said Isfahan had seen years of capital flight and a sharp decline in investment growth. He added that three priorities were shaping the chamber’s policies: renewable energy, artificial intelligence and tourism.

He further outlined three main investment principles: developing industries with minimal water use, promoting high-tech industries with efficient labor use, and supporting clean industries that do not pollute land or air.

Keshani then urged policymakers to preserve opportunities for high-speed rail development, including connections from the Persian Gulf coasts to Shiraz, Isfahan, Tehran, Mashhad, Tabriz and Khuzestan.

Keshani expressed hope that the government and private sector would start a serious cooperation on the project, which he called it a potential national model.

Pointing to investment opportunities in advanced industries, tourism, medicinal plants, non-water-based farming, wastewater treatment and green industries, he underlined: “We hope from today there will be no more capital flight and that responsible investment will help rebuild the whole Isfahan province….,” he said.

Isfahan Governor-General Mehdi Jamalinejad, the second speaker at the event, said 287 economic and investment projects in fields such as tourism, low-water industries, modern agriculture and knowledge-based sectors would be introduced during the two-day event.

He said that Isfahan province’s four-year economic plan includes 1,000 projects, many already approved for implementation. “Isfahan must move toward industries that consume little water and are not polluting,” Jamalinejad said.

He cited the province’s agricultural and industrial capacities, noting that Isfahan accounted for 15% of the country’s protein production despite holding only 3% of Iran’s farmland. It ranks first nationally in raw milk, egg, turkey, camel meat and ornamental fish production, he said.

Jamalinejad said Isfahan hosts more than 10,000 industrial units, giving it the country’s second place after Tehran in industrial employment and active mines. He listed its central location, transport infrastructure, more than 100 universities, cultural heritage and solar energy potential as key advantages.

He added that Isfahan was preparing 50 major economic projects to support annual growth of 8% and forecast an investment of 2900  trillion rials (about $2.9 billion) in technology and innovation between 2025 and 2028. Tourism goals include 20 million domestic and 1 million foreign visitors, he added.

The governor-general further noted that Isfahan has been selected as the Asian capital of tourism in 2025. “This title reflects Isfahan’s ability to turn historical heritage into a platform for a sustainable and creative economy,” he said.

According to organizers, the expo is designed to present investment opportunities, promote an investment culture and connect investors with entrepreneurs. It is also being held virtually for those unable to attend in person. “The event brings together domestic and foreign investors, knowledge-based companies, government institutions, banks and financial bodies. Key areas include transport, environment, clean energy, tourism and new technologies.”

Once a crossroads of international trade and diplomacy, the ancient city of Isfahan remains one of Iran’s most prominent tourist destinations. Isfahan is largely renowned for its breathtaking Islamic architecture, including stunning mosques, palaces, and bazaars.

Visitors may also explore genuine samples of Persian gardens and walk along the city’s tree-lined boulevards, soaking in the beauty and history at every turn. The city’s architectural marvels, such as Naqsh-e Jahan Square -- one of the largest squares in the world -- make it a jewel of town planning.

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CAPTION: Isfahan Governor-General Mehdi Jamalinejad speaks at the opening of the two-day Isfahan International Investment Expo (ISINEX 2025) at the Chamber of Commerce in Isfahan, Iran, September 17, 2025.