Iran's Focus on Diversifying Trade Partners and Strengthening Ties with Brazil

Isfahan: The Ideal Choice for São Paulo

As Iran seeks to diversify its trade partners and expand relations with neighboring and regional countries amidst regional and global developments, strengthening ties with countries in Africa and Latin America has become a key strategy in Iran’s modern diplomacy. Brazil is one of the countries with vast potential in economic, trade, cultural, and tourism sectors.

Date: 1 month ago
Reading Time: 3 min
Isfahan: The Ideal Choice for São Paulo

As Iran seeks to diversify its trade partners and expand relations with neighboring and regional countries amidst regional and global developments, strengthening ties with countries in Africa and Latin America has become a key strategy in Iran’s modern diplomacy. Brazil is one of the countries with vast potential in economic, trade, cultural, and tourism sectors.

Iran is keen to develop relations, especially in the economic sphere, with Brazil and aims to create more opportunities for cooperation in various fields. Brazil’s mineral and oil industries could serve as a foundation for joint collaborations with Iran.

In this regard, “Isfahan-e Ziba” has interviewed Seyed Fakhroddin Amerian, the head of the Iran-Brazil Joint Chamber of Commerce, to explore Isfahan’s commercial interactions with Brazil, and to outline Isfahan’s role in leveraging Brazil’s capabilities, with an emphasis on the importance of exchanging experiences through commercial cooperation with Brazil.

Given the significant role of economics in Iran-Brazil relations, how can we define the potential for strong and sustainable trade relations between Brazil and Isfahan?

The relationship between Iran and Brazil is deeply rooted and extends beyond economic and commercial ties. Iran has a strong determination to strengthen bilateral relations in various fields, including trade and tourism, making both countries reliable partners. Moreover, the relationship between the two nations has a long and positive history, and cultural exchanges can further deepen these ties. Therefore, strengthening cultural relations, particularly in the realm of museums and historical sites, is crucial and requires significant effort.

On the other hand, Iran possesses countless cultural, natural, and historical attractions. The increasing number of Brazilian outbound tourists, compared to inbound tourists, presents an opportunity for reciprocal tourism between the two countries. Strengthening private sector ties between the two nations can also yield significant results in developing tourism. Isfahan is a major tourism hub in Iran, renowned as “Half the World” for its numerous historical and cultural attractions. So, given Brazilians’ interest in experiencing Iran’s rich cultural and historical heritage, the conditions for developing and exchanging tourists between the two countries are favorable.

What are the most significant capacities of Isfahan and Brazil that can create grounds for mutual cooperation?

Isfahan province is considered one of Iran’s economic powerhouses, encompassing both industry and services. Given the province’s capacities, such as science and technology parks, knowledge-based companies, and technology incubators, coupled with the unprecedented growth of knowledge-based companies in the Brazilian market, the environment is highly conducive for Iranian companies to operate in Brazil. However, other capacities of Isfahan, including industries, mines, and agriculture, should not be overlooked.

What specific markets exist for Isfahan’s traders and economic actors in Brazil, and vice versa?

Based on assessments conducted in Brazil, it is recommended that Iran export Iranian carpets and halal food products to Brazil. Additionally, there are opportunities for cooperation in producing and exporting Iranian tractors to Brazil, given the high demand from Brazilian farmers and the favorable market, as well as producing and exporting stone processing machinery. Isfahan province can play a pivotal role in these areas. By organizing exhibitions, sending trade missions, and implementing targeted policies, provincial and joint chambers can boost trade and economic ties.

What factors do you believe influence the growth or decline of trade and economic relations between the two cities?

The approximately 12,000-kilometer distance between Iran and Brazil poses significant transportation challenges, partially hindering economic relations. However, based on our chamber’s research, transportation costs to Brazil are quite competitive compared to some closer countries.

Has the Iran-Brazil Joint Chamber of Commerce considered any initiatives to foster urban development and twin city relationships with Isfahan?

In recent years, the Iran-Brazil Joint Chamber of Commerce has sought to establish a sister city relationship between Isfahan and São Paulo to enhance cultural and historical exchanges. While progress has been made, the process has been time-consuming.

Why did you choose São Paulo as a potential twin city for Isfahan?

São Paulo, the largest city in Brazil, is not only the most populous but also one of the four largest cities in the world. It is recognized as a major economic, financial, and cultural center in both Brazil and Latin America, offering a diverse range of tourist attractions and lifestyles. Moreover, the city hosts numerous museums, art galleries, and cultural festivals. Given these factors, it is suggested that if a cultural twin city relationship is to be established between Iran and Brazil, Isfahan and São Paulo would be an ideal match.

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