Iran’s private sector is being urged to treat this year’s National Export Day as a moment for reassessing the resilience of foreign trade rather than a ceremonial occasion. Speaking at Sunday’s meeting of the Iran Chamber’s Board of Representatives, Chamber President Samad Hassanzadeh said maritime restrictions imposed by the hostile enemy make diversification essential: land and rail corridors, border trade, alternative ports and regional settlement mechanisms can all reduce export vulnerability.
Hassanzadeh argued that exporters can no longer wait for customers or rely solely on official demands. Economic actors must reach out to traders in other countries, design new ways to introduce goods and build international partnerships. He expressed hope that private firms will work alongside government policies to sustain production and employment, and said officials are working day and night on economic and production problems. He voiced hope that national dignity, peace and security will allow people and officials to fulfil their responsibilities.
On Africa, Hassanzadeh reported that the Chamber delegation’s participation in the ACIS 2026 summit in Kenya included talks with Kenya’s trade and investment minister, the Kenya Chamber president and other African chamber heads. African countries are mainly consumers with limited production facilities, and Kenyan officials are keen to expand economic ties with Iran. A venue for Iranian companies interested in the African market is under review by Iran’s ambassador in Kenya, with results to be announced. Given sanctions-related constraints, Hassanzadeh described Africa as a promising horizon, though Iran–Africa trade remains small relative to capacity. He said government support is limited, so the private sector must act, with the Chamber helping regulate relations.
The Chamber also plans to draft a bylaw to build business schools in 10 less-privileged provinces, following a trip to Yasuj and a report by the Abrar Charity Center identifying educational space needs. Provincial chambers are invited to submit proposals.
