Iran will showcase its cultural heritage at the 2025 China International Import Expo (CIIE) in Shanghai from November 5 to 10, aiming to enhance trade opportunities for its handicrafts. Six prominent Iranian companies, supported by the tourism ministry’s Handicrafts and Traditional Arts Department, will display diverse products, including enamelwork, textiles, and traditional jewelry. The initiative targets China’s growing middle class and their increasing demand for unique, authentic craftsmanship. Owjani emphasized the expo’s role in fostering long-term partnerships and cultural exchange, aiming to boost Iranian handicraft exports and contribute to the nation’s economic development.
Iran’s civil aviation sector is showing resilience despite ongoing international sanctions, as reported by the head of the Aviation Refueling Department. In the year leading up to March 20, over 1.572 billion liters of jet fuel were supplied, an increase of nearly 100 million liters from the previous year, supporting 212,886 flights. Daily fuel consumption rose by 250,000 liters to approximately 4.308 million. However, the Iranian government plans to end subsidies for jet fuel to save nearly $1 billion annually, raising concerns about potential cost increases for airlines and passengers. Despite challenges, demand for air travel in Iran remains strong.
In Iran, Mehdi Parsi, director general of Roads and Urban Development in Sistan and Baluchestan, announced that 30 kilometers of the Zahedan-Birjand highway will be operational by the Iranian calendar year’s end. This project aims to enhance connectivity, reduce accidents, and boost trade, with over 40% of the highway already constructed. Timely financing is critical for its swift completion. Additionally, the Chabahar-Sarakhs railway is set to connect Chabahar Port to Sarakhs, significantly impacting regional trade dynamics. Both projects are vital for improving local economies and reinforcing Iran’s position in regional transit corridors.
Iran’s trade with the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) has significantly increased, with exports reaching $1.46 billion in the first eight months of the current Iranian year, an 11% rise from last year. Total export volume rose by 10% to 3.888 million metric tons. Notably, exports to Russia grew by 12%, and those to Belarus surged over 50%. Meanwhile, imports from EAEU totaled 5.5 million metric tons, valued at $3.217 billion, reflecting a 9% volume decline but a 15% value increase. A free trade agreement and Iran’s observer membership in the EAEU signal further cooperation and enhanced economic ties.
Iran’s oil minister, Mohsen Paknejad, has rejected claims that U.S. sanctions significantly hinder Iran’s oil exports. Speaking to state media, he asserted that Iran continues to export oil without disruption, countering the narrative of successful U.S. sanctions aimed at reducing exports to zero. Paknejad highlighted record crude exports during the Iranian month of Dey and expressed confidence in Iran’s ability to respond to potential sanctions enforcement. He denied allegations of using forged documents for oil shipments, emphasizing that Iran operates within accepted trade frameworks. The U.S. Treasury has targeted high-ranking officials with sanctions to limit Iran’s oil revenue.
Iran’s presidential administration has proposed relocating the capital from Tehran to the Makran region due to environmental and safety concerns. Government spokeswoman Fatemeh Mohajerani confirmed that the new capital would be in the south, specifically Makran, though it remains in the conceptual phase with no timeline set. Makran, situated along the Gulf of Oman, offers geographical and economic advantages, including access to Chabahar Port. However, challenges such as security threats, economic viability, and funding requirements pose significant obstacles to the proposal, which has sparked mixed reactions among the public and officials.