Trade with a Taste of Art
Amir Keshani, President of the Isfahan Chamber of Commerce, highlighted the city’s unique characteristics in history, art, architecture, and culture. He stated that the people of Isfahan, with their perseverance and hard work, have created valuable capacities for developing economic relations.
Referring to the long-standing cooperation between Isfahani merchants and Korean economic actors, he added that the export of food products, chemicals, steel, and other goods from Isfahan to Korea, as well as the import of paper products and medical equipment from Korea, reflect the depth of these ties.
Keshani described the strong presence of Isfahan’s business community in the meeting as evidence of serious interest in expanding cooperation. He noted that the Isfahan Chamber is fully prepared to host Korean trade delegations, emphasizing the need to introduce Isfahan’s exhibition events to Korean traders to create more opportunities for engagement.
Better Understanding, Stronger Cooperation
Kim Jun-pyo, the Ambassador of the Republic of Korea to Iran, expressed his pleasure in visiting Isfahan, which he described as “a symbol of Iran’s history, culture, and civilization.” He added that visiting Isfahan had long been one of his personal wishes. From its early textile industries to steel, petrochemicals, automotive production, and knowledge-based companies, Isfahan plays a strategic role in Iran’s economy.
Highlighting the similar industrial development paths of the two countries, he stated that combining Isfahan’s strong industrial capabilities with Korea’s experience in digital transformation could spark a new wave of international economic cooperation. While Korean companies traditionally prefer to work with Iranian government institutions, he noted that increased familiarity would naturally lead to expanded cooperation with the private sector as well.
The ambassador stressed that closer interaction and deeper mutual understanding between companies in both countries is essential for building sustainable cooperation.
Social Capital: The Engine of Enduring Engagement
Mostafa Dolatiar, Head of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Representative Office in Isfahan, pointed to the province’s vast potential in foreign trade, noting that what has been utilized so far represents only a small portion of its real capabilities.
He stated that despite the complexities introduced by third-party factors, the trajectory of Iran–Korea relations still holds significant potential for expansion. Iran possesses the social capital and foundational infrastructure needed for sustainable cooperation, he said. Direct, firsthand familiarity with the province’s capabilities can help uncover new opportunities and enable planning for broader collaboration.
Dolatiar concluded by underlining the strong position of Isfahan’s leading universities, which provide an ideal platform for scientific, research, and educational cooperation between Iran and Korea. He expressed hope that this sector would also receive attention in future visits.
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