Ali Najafi Khoshroudi, Deputy for International and Regional
Cooperation to the First Vice President, said the administration of President
Masoud Pezeshkian aims to “fully support the private sector” and deepen
international partnerships.
“Although Fars is not a border province, it is an international one,”
Najafi said at the opening of the Shiraz International Expo. “Its historical
and cultural assets give it a unique capacity for fostering global connections.
Together with neighbouring provinces such as Hormozgan, Bushehr and Khuzestan,
Fars can become a southern trade hub.”
He noted that the recent implementation of a free trade agreement
between Iran and the EAEU has eliminated tariffs on about 90% of bilateral
trade, positioning Iran as an observer member of the bloc. “Southern provinces,
especially Fars, can serve as gateways for trade and transit between Eurasia and
the Persian Gulf region,” he said.
Najafi added that the government is advancing transport and logistics
infrastructure to strengthen these links. “The first meeting of the National
Transit Council was recently held to accelerate cargo movement, reduce port
congestion and develop a national transit roadmap,” he said.
Iran is also considering preferential or zero-tariff trade
arrangements with Gulf states, he said, noting that logistics centres in the
country’s northern and southern ports are being developed to attract investment
and support exports to Africa and Gulf countries.
Further measures include plans to establish a network of free trade
zones across southern Iran and neighbouring states, and to boost maritime
transport ties — particularly with Oman.
Najafi also underscored the role of the Iranian diaspora in Gulf
countries, many of whom originate from Fars province. “We have had positive
experiences with them in the past, and efforts are under way to strengthen
these ties,” he said.
Addressing geopolitical tensions, Najafi stressed national unity amid
external threats. “While internal debates and criticism are natural, when it
comes to defending Iran’s territorial integrity, our nation stands united,” he
said, referring to recent regional developments and foreign pressures.
The Shiraz International Expo runs through Oct. 14 and showcases
Iran’s export capabilities, particularly from Fars province, to neighbouring
and Gulf markets.