The agreement was signed during the closing ceremony of the Iran-Pakistan Joint Committee meeting, held over Tuesday and Wednesday in Islamabad, by Hossein Pirmoazzen, vice president of the Iran Chamber of Commerce, and Atif Ikram Sheikh, president of the FPCCI. Under the memorandum, the two chambers agreed to work together on behalf of the private sectors of Iran and Pakistan to advocate for policies that facilitate bilateral commerce, remove trade barriers and promote the development of infrastructure at border crossings and customs facilities. The agreement also envisages closer coordination between the two chambers in pursuing practical measures to improve cross-border trade and expand economic cooperation between businesses in both countries. The signing ceremony was attended by members of the Iranian trade delegation and Pakistani business representatives, concluding a series of meetings focused on strengthening commercial ties and increasing private-sector engagement between the two countries.

Speaking at the 40th Board of Directors meeting of the Islamic Chamber in Ankara, Hassanzadeh proposed that the next session include a detailed report based on measurable indicators to improve transparency and accountability and help members make decisions grounded in actual performance. He also urged broader participation from different regions of the Islamic world in the chamber’s management, suggesting that the General Assembly be given the authority to increase the number of vice presidents when needed, noting that the chamber’s statutes do not set a limit on the number of vice presidents. Hassanzadeh said the proposal would enhance flexibility, strengthen geographic representation and improve the distribution of responsibilities without requiring amendments to the chamber’s statutes.

Samad Hassanzadeh told a meeting with executives of Turkey’s Independent Industrialists’ and Businessmen’s Association (MUSIAD) in Istanbul that Turkey ranked among Iran’s top three trading partners. He welcomed investment by Turkish technology and knowledge-based companies in Iran’s copper and other mineral resources, saying the two countries had strong potential to deepen bilateral trade, jointly develop projects and expand economic cooperation in third-country markets. Hassanzadeh said stronger trade ties could help promote regional stability, adding that borders should become gateways for commerce and economic growth rather than confrontation. Mehrdad Saadat, head of the Iran-Turkey Joint Chamber of Commerce, said greater practical trust by both governments in the private sector would create a golden opportunity to strengthen economic relations between the neighboring countries. MUSIAD Deputy Chairman Fahrettin Oylum said the Turkish business association had around 14,000 members, maintained branches in every province of Turkey as well as offices in Austria, Newcastle and several other European cities, and sought to expand mutually beneficial economic cooperation with partner countries.

Meeting the head of the Turkey-Iran Parliamentary Friendship Group and a delegation of Turkish lawmakers, Hassanzadeh said economic, social and cultural cooperation among countries should be strengthened to prevent disputes from escalating into wars, adding that economic diplomacy should be placed at the service of peace initiatives. Despite years of sanctions, Hassanzadeh said Iran had developed significant capabilities in petrochemicals, oil refining, modern agriculture, medicine, pharmaceuticals, artificial intelligence and the digital economy, creating opportunities for joint investment with Turkey. Hassanzadeh also welcomed the Turkish parliamentary delegation’s stated readiness to participate in Iran’s reconstruction efforts following the recent US-Israeli-imposed war on Iran, describing the proposal as reflecting the goodwill and cultural affinity of the Turkish people toward Iran. Iran’s ambassador to Turkey, Mohammad Hassan Habibollahzadeh, told the meeting that Turkey was one of Iran’s two most important neighboring countries, describing bilateral relations as broad and multifaceted across political, economic, social and cultural fields. He said Turkey was currently Iran’s third-largest trading partner and could rise to second place this year. Habibollahzadeh added that Iran and Turkey share three border crossings and that a fourth crossing could become operational this year with the cooperation of Turkish authorities. The ambassador also highlighted the two countries’ transit links, saying more than 250,000 trucks cross the Iran-Turkey border annually, and said both governments were committed to expanding bilateral cooperation, supported by political will and guidance from the two countries’ presidents.

Qadir Qiafeh made the remarks during a meeting on Tuesday with the board of the Istanbul Chamber of Commerce, arguing that preferential trade arrangements had become outdated and should give way to a comprehensive free trade framework. “Iran and Turkey are two nations with deep cultural and economic ties,” Qiafeh said, adding that closer cooperation between the neighboring countries was “not a choice but an unavoidable necessity.” He said Iran’s geopolitical and geoeconomic position, abundant natural resources, industrial capacity and skilled workforce made it a strategic economic partner for Turkey. Qiafeh noted that the leaders of the two countries had previously set a target of increasing bilateral trade to $30 billion within five years, describing that goal as achievable. He said the next step should be to raise the target to $50 billion. He also urged the two sides to revise the preferential trade agreement signed in 2015 as a precursor to establishing a free trade regime between Iran and Turkey.

During a Sunday meeting with Pakistan’s Ambassador to Tehran, Imran Ahmed Siddiqui, Iran Chamber of Commerce President Samad Hassanzadeh said connecting the two countries’ economic capacities for the benefit of bilateral trade remained a key priority for the chamber. He said embassies play a central role in facilitating cooperation between the private sector and government agencies, removing obstacles and helping create the conditions needed to expand trade and investment. Hassanzadeh said cooperation between the Iran Chamber and the Pakistani embassy in Tehran could help strengthen relations in energy, petrochemicals, food industries, transit and other sectors, adding that such efforts should be actively pursued. He also highlighted obstacles slowing bilateral commerce, including the lack of efficient financial mechanisms, standards and quarantine issues, and prolonged delays affecting containers at Pakistan’s Karachi port. He said lengthy customs clearance times, combined with rail and road transport constraints, had imposed financial losses on Iranian businesses. Hassanzadeh proposed establishing a cross-border “green corridor” supported by electronic document transfers to facilitate trade. The Pakistani ambassador, for his part, said both sides were committed to removing obstacles and implementing previously agreed measures. He said extending border operations to 24 hours a day, seven days a week could provide greater opportunities for private-sector cooperation. Siddiqui also called for closer coordination between the Iran Chamber and the embassy’s economic section, adding that resolving issues such as banking links and transit required time and measures beyond the authority of embassies or even governments. He said Pakistan had proposed a barter mechanism and was awaiting Iran’s response on its implementation.

Eco Expo Central Asia 2026 – Samarkand, Uzbekistan

Dates: 31 May – 2 June 2026
Venue: EXPO CENTER, Silk Road Samarkand, Uzbekistan
Organizer & Contact:

• BUSINESS CONGRESS MANAGEMENT CORP LLC FE

• Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

• Phone: +998 94 990 37 95

Exhibitor Stand & Registration:

• You must book a stand in advance by contacting the organizer.

• Direct booking contact is available on the official site.

Opportunities:
✔ Standard booths and partnership/ad packages available.
✔ Advertising and visibility packages beyond booth space (brand highlights, sponsorship etc.).

Notes:

• Detailed pricing is not published on the public site — interested companies must contact organizers directly for quotes and deadlines.

• Early booking increases chances of choice locations and partnership options.

Regional Environmental Summit & Expo 2026 – Astana, Kazakhstan

Dates: 22–24 April 2026
Venue: International Exhibition Center “EXPO”, Astana
Event Focus:
Energy, water tech, circular economy, smart cities and climate technologies.
Participation:

• Company booths and stand spaces available directly on the event site.

• Official contact for booking a stand is listed by the organizers.

• Over 200 exhibiting companies expected from ~30 countries.

Why important:
✔ Strong B2B and B2G networking with regional governments and investors.
✔ Useful for Iranian companies in sustainable technologies, energy, water systems, and smart infrastructure sectors.

Industrial & Central Asian Regional Trade Fairs (Example: INNOPROM‑style & others)

Although not ECO‑branded, industrial, technology or manufacturing expos in Central Asia / Eurasia attract companies from all ECO member states and often have structured exhibitor information:

Typical Terms (Based on similar trade fair models):
✔ Registration Fee: ~US$440 per exhibitor/co‑exhibitor.
✔ Minimum Booth Space: 9 m² standard.
✔ Service Pack Price: ~US$410/m² if paid before deadline (~31 Dec 2025), rising to ~US$460/m² after.
✔ Badges:

• ~1 badge per 5 m² space.

• Extra badge ~US$35 each.

Example participation format from a Central Asia industrial trade fair:

• Standard booth and bare space options.

• Extra corner booth charges (~15%).

• Option to participate in business programs and roundtables (fees vary).

Note: This pricing is representative and may vary by specific event or organizer — always confirm with organizers.

1. ECO CCI Executive & General Assembly Meetings

The Economic Cooperation Organization Chambers of Commerce and Industry (ECO CCI) holds annual executive meetings and assemblies for planning trade cooperation, harmonization of standards, and private sector integration across all member states.

• These typically occur early in the year (January–February).

• Focus: trade policy dialogue, membership coordination, and business matching across ECO countries.

(Formal schedules are published by ECO CCI events platform.)

Key purpose: Strengthening private sector cooperation and trade facilitation among all ECO members.

2. Eco Expo Central Asia 2026

- Samarkand, Uzbekistan
- 31 May – 2 June 2026
This will be one of the largest international expos in Central Asia — showcasing environmental technologies, sustainable innovation, and green business solutions, and drawing participants from across ECO member states and beyond.

Highlighted sectors include:

• Green construction and sustainable infrastructure

• Clean tech and eco‑innovation

• Green transport and smart cities

• Sustainable agriculture

• Green finance and eco‑tourism

Trade relevance: While focused on environment and sustainability, this expo offers B2B, B2G networking and export opportunities for Iranian firms in technologies, machinery, energy, and environmental solutions, as well as services in the ECO region.

3. Regional Environmental Summit & Expo 2026 – Astana

- Astana, Kazakhstan
- 22–24 April 2026
 Although broader in theme, this expo gathers government, business and innovation leaders from 30+ countries, including ECO members, around green technology, smart infrastructure, water and climate solutions.

Trade relevance:

• B2B and B2G negotiations

• Networking with international investors

• Investment and export opportunities in sustainable technologies.

4. ECO Business Week & Eco Business Forums

 Large, cross‑sectoral ECO business platforms that bring government officials, private sector leaders and chambers of commerce together, in formats such as:

• ECO Business Week

• ECO Business Forums

• Sector‑specific B2B meetings

 Example: The 6th ECO Business Forum held in Shusha, Azerbaijan (in 2025) highlighted trade, investment, and cooperation in food, agriculture, textiles, ICT, transport, tourism, and circular economy. These frameworks typically produce follow‑on initiatives influencing the 2026 agenda.

Key purpose: Strategic trade cooperation, export promotion and regional economic integration across ECO members.

5. ECO Ministerial & Sectoral Meetings (e.g., Tourism, Transport)

 Networking and cooperative decision‑making events among ministers and delegates of all ECO member states focusing on sectors relevant to customs and trade logistics.

Example: The ECO Tourism Ministerial Meeting signals sectoral dialogue within ECO frameworks with potential indirect trade logistics impacts.

ECO Member Countries Involved

All events listed include participation (directly or indirectly) from ECO member countries:
- Iran
- Turkey
- Pakistan
- Azerbaijan
- Uzbekistan
- Kazakhstan
- Turkmenistan
- Afghanistan
- Kyrgyzstan
- Tajikistan
(Plus observer states and associate partners at larger forums.)

Why These 2026 Events Matter for Trade & Customs

 Export Expansion

• Platforms like Eco Expo Central Asia 2026 and ECO Business Forums provide Iranian exporters with direct access to buyers and partners across ECO markets — for industrial, tech, and green sector products.

 Import & Supply Chain Insights

• Exposure to regional suppliers and technologies facilitates import planning, tariff negotiations, and strategic sourcing for Iranian markets.

 Networking & B2B Opportunities

• Business matchmaking sessions, seminars, and official dialogues help customs authorities and trade delegations coordinate export documentation, logistics pathways, and regulatory frameworks.

 Trade Policy & Facilitation

• Meetings of ECO CCI and ministerial panels contribute to harmonizing trade procedures, easing cross‑border movement of goods, and aligning standards among member states.