By Mahnaz Abdi

From south to north: How Iran is redefining trade routes in crisis times

TEHRAN- As geopolitical tensions continue to strain maritime traffic through the Strait of Hormuz, Iran has demonstrated that its foreign trade is far from vulnerable. By rapidly developing northern ports and expanding railway infrastructure, the country is successfully diversifying its trade routes and ensuring the continued flow of essential goods.

By Mahnaz Abdi

Iran, Kazakhstan advance agricultural ties with focus on extraterritorial cultivation

TEHRAN – Iran and Kazakhstan have taken concrete steps to deepen agricultural cooperation, with both sides emphasizing extraterritorial cultivation, joint investment, and expanded trade in agricultural products during a high-level meeting on the sidelines of the seventh meeting of the Eurasian Economic Union's Agricultural Policy Council in Almaty.

By Mahnaz Abdi

How China's marine farming model can reshape Iran's coasts

TEHRAN- Two years ago, on a spring morning in May 2024, I stood at the Sandu'ao Port in Ningde, Fujian Province, alongside a group of journalists from across Asia. What I witnessed that day was far from ordinary—a vast, industrial-scale aquaculture operation stretching across the sea, built on foundations of advanced technology.

By Mahnaz Abdi

Iran, Tajikistan agree on mechanism for oil product exports, crude supply

TEHRAN- Iran and Tajikistan have taken a significant step toward deepening their energy partnership, with both sides agreeing to establish a working group to examine mechanisms for exporting Iran's surplus oil products and supplying crude oil needed by Tajikistan's refineries.

By Mahnaz Abdi

South Korea’s blueprint for a cultural powerhouse; lessons and parallels for Iran

A strategic vision for national growth

TEHRAN- In a recent policy briefing to President Lee Jae Myung, the South Korean Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Tourism unveiled an ambitious vision to transform Korean culture into a primary national economic engine. The core objective is to lay the groundwork for attracting 40 million annual foreign visitors, a significant leap from the 23 million expected this year. The vision, framed as "revitalizing regions and expanding into the world with K-culture, sports, and tourism," offers a compelling case study for nations like Iran, which possesses a rich cultural heritage but faces challenges in fully leveraging it for economic and soft power growth

By Mahnaz Abdi

Iran, Azerbaijan forge new economic corridor as border trade surges

TEHRAN- In a decisive move that signals a new phase in regional economic integration, Iran and the Republic of Azerbaijan are rapidly expanding their bilateral trade and transit cooperation through a series of high-level agreements, infrastructure projects, and customs facilitation measures. The momentum, driven by political will at the highest levels and supported by tangible results at border crossings, positions the two neighbors as strategic partners in connecting the Caucasus, Central Asia, and the Persian Gulf.

By Mahnaz Abdi

Iran, Pakistan sing MOU to boost bilateral trade toward $10b target

TEHRAN– Iran and Pakistan took a significant step toward deepening economic ties, signing a memorandum of understanding to expand trade cooperation during the 10th session of the Joint Trade Committee held in Islamabad. Both sides reaffirmed their mutual commitment to achieving the ambitious $10 billion target in bilateral trade and advancing toward a formal free trade agreement.

By Mahnaz Abdi

Iran, Pakistan forge path to $10b trade milestone as joint committee meets in Islamabad

TEHRAN- In a significant display of economic diplomacy, Iran and Pakistan have convened the 19th session of their Joint Trade Committee in Islamabad, with high-level delegations from both sides charting an ambitious course toward a $10 billion annual trade target that would fundamentally transform the economic landscape of the two neighboring countries.

By Mahnaz Abdi

Iran, Azerbaijan forge stronger economic ties with new customs agreement

TEHRAN – In a significant step toward deepening bilateral economic relations, Iran and the Republic of Azerbaijan have signed a customs cooperation memorandum of understanding aimed at facilitating and accelerating trade and transit between the two neighboring countries.

By Mahnaz Abdi

Iran-Pakistan border development: New horizons for trade, regional connectivity

TEHRAN- Recent agreements between Iran and Pakistan represent a significant turning point in bilateral economic relations, with the shared border regions—particularly Iran's Sistan-Baluchestan province—emerging as the primary focal point for enhanced cooperation. With approximately 930 kilometers of shared border, Sistan-Baluchestan stands as Iran's only province with a land border with Pakistan, making it an indispensable gateway for bilateral exchanges.

By Mahnaz Abdi

China celebrates PLA’s 99th anniversary in Tehran, reaffirms commitment to strategic ties with Iran

TEHRAN – The Chinese Embassy in Tehran on the evening of Tuesday, July 21, hosted a reception to celebrate the 99th anniversary of the founding of the Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA). The ceremony brought together senior Iranian and Chinese officials, diplomats from various countries, military attachés, and distinguished guests. Among the keynote speakers were Chinese Ambassador to Iran Cong Peiwu, Chinese Defense Attaché Senior Colonel Hu Xiao, and Brigadier-General Mohammad Ahadi, Deputy for International Cooperation of the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Iran.

By Mahnaz Abdi

Beyond exhibition: How Iran is securing its share of trillion-dollar halal market

TEHRAN- The global halal economy is no longer a peripheral niche. Valued well above two trillion dollars and expanding at a remarkable annual rate, it encompasses not only food and beverages but also pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, logistics, tourism, and financial services.

By Mahnaz Abdi

Support packages being designed for entrepreneurs in free zones

TEHRAN- The secretary of the Iranian Free Zones High Council, emphasizing support for entrepreneurs amid war conditions, has stressed the design and formulation of support packages for them in free zones.

By Mahnaz Abdi

Iran positioning itself as strategic hub on China-Europe corridor

TEHRAN- The head of the Islamic Republic of Iran Railways (known as RAI) announced that so far 60 trains from China destined for Iran and the European Union have entered our country.

By Mahnaz Abdi

Iran pivots free trade zones toward export-led growth

TEHRAN – In a decisive shift toward economic diversification and resilience, the Iranian government is fundamentally restructuring its network of free trade zones (FTZs) to function as powerful engines for export-led growth.

By Mahnaz Abdi

South Pars daily output hits 725 mcm, fueling Iran's path to energy self-sufficiency

TEHRAN – Iran’s colossal South Pars gas field has achieved a landmark daily production rate of 725 million cubic meters (mcm), announced Oil Minister Mohsen Paknejad. This milestone underscores a major operational triumph for Iran’s energy sector amid significant external constraints.