President Raeisi: Iran Determined to Strengthen Economic Ties with Neighbors and Allies

Raeisi noted at the inauguration ceremony of Iran Expo 2023 in Tehran that the first step in recognizing Iran’s capabilities beyond oil and gas is to introduce the Islamic Republic’s export capabilities and become familiar with those of other countries. He highlighted that the heavy emphasis on the oil and gas sectors has overshadowed the nation’s other capabilities.

He stated that his administration plans to enhance the level of its commercial and economic ties with most of the countries it has relations with.

Raeisi stated that since his administration assumed office in early August 2021, it has managed to export over $50 billion worth of commodities, surpassing a 40-year record.

The Iranian president stated that the government is clearly determined to back production, as evidenced by the notable figure.

He mentioned that Iran has grown in various areas, such as exports, in spite of US pressures and Western sanctions.

Raeisi stated that Iranian scientists and industrialists have achieved anything that was prohibited by the sanctions, and pointed out that economic operators have managed to circumvent and counter the sanctions system.

He urged executive agencies and businessmen to move beyond the current level, fully develop the value-adding chain in the mining industries, and refrain from selling raw materials, with the aim of creating more jobs, increasing production, and boosting exports.

Raeisi emphasized that, in production and export processes, both quantity and quality are equally important; it is essential not to sacrifice quality for the sake of greater quantity.

In other parts of his statement, the Iranian president discussed negotiations regarding the re-implementation of the 2015 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), a nuclear deal between Iran and major powers, and the lifting of sanctions against Iran. He made clear that the Iranian government will not make its progress and resolution of issues dependent on the JCPOA.

Raeisi reminded Britain, France, and Germany, the European parties to the JCPOA, of Iran’s logical and legitimate demands, saying that it was the US who left the negotiating table and that it was the European parties who did not fulfill their commitments and neglected their duties under the agreement.

The Iranian president said that Iran Expo 2023, which began on May 7 and will go on until May 10, is an appropriate opportunity for the growth of economic and commercial relationships between Iran and other nations.

Dubbed the 5th Export Potential Exhibition of the Islamic Republic of Iran, this event will give foreign businessmen and entrepreneurs the opportunity to explore the trade and investment possibilities in the country.