How can the private sector take advantage of Iran’s absence from Expo 2025?

The Short News Agency, quoting Reza Zamani, former CEO of the Gilan Exhibition Center, reported on March 27:
Expos, as the most important international events, are always a unique opportunity for countries to introduce their capabilities and achievements to the world. These global exhibitions not only serve as platforms for the exchange of technology and innovation, but also provide a platform for the expansion of *commercial, cultural and economic relations*. However, in every Expo, there is a possibility that valuable opportunities are missed; opportunities that could have contributed to economic development and strengthening international relations. In this note, we intend to address the opportunity that was missed in the Japan Expo and examine the reasons for this lack of exploitation.

The fact that Iran is not present at the Expo 2025 Osaka is an important and multifaceted issue that can be analyzed from both a political and economic perspective.

Expo exhibitions are an opportunity for countries to showcase their culture, technology, industry, and economic capacities and expand their international relations. Therefore, Iran’s absence from this event is considered a missed opportunity.

Examining the possible reasons for Iran’s absence
1. The impact of sanctions
Some believe that economic and banking sanctions have reduced Iran’s financial and executive capacity to participate in this event. The lack of transparent financial relations and problems with bank transactions may have made it difficult to cover the costs of attending the Expo. Perhaps if we were a member of FATF, the path would have been smoother for us to be able to participate in the Expo and introduce our economy, industry, and culture to the world.

2. Failure of related agencies
Some also consider this issue to be the result of the inefficiency of related government institutions. Even in difficult economic conditions, various countries have been able to attend international exhibitions with proper planning and diplomatic interactions. Some experts believe that the lack of full coordination between government sectors and the absence of the private sector in Iran has led to this absence.

3. A missed opportunity
Iran is one of the countries with a rich history, culture, and industry that can have a special place in international exhibitions. Not participating in Expo 2025 means losing the opportunity to attract foreign investment, trade interactions, and showcase the country’s economic and cultural capabilities. This exhibition is a platform for introducing industrial and tourism capabilities that countries such as the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Türkiye are using well.

Consequences of Iran’s absence
*Reduced opportunities to attract foreign investment
*Weakened Iran’s economic diplomacy in the international arena
*Failure to utilize export and trade potentials on a global platform
*Continued economic isolation and failure to introduce Iranian brands to the global market

Presence in events such as Expo 2025 Osaka is important not only from an economic perspective, but also from the perspective of national branding and improving Iran’s international image. Now that this opportunity has been missed, it is necessary to make better policies for future events so that Iran can consolidate its position in the global economy.

How can the private sector make an opportunity out of Iran’s absence from Expo 2025?
Despite Iran’s official absence from Expo 2025 Osaka, the private sector should not view this as a completely lost opportunity. In fact, Iranian companies and economic activists can still benefit from this global event with alternative solutions.

1. Using informal capacities to attend the Expo
Although there is no official Iranian pavilion at this exhibition, many international companies, organizations, and business networks provide opportunities for cooperation and display of products and services on the sidelines of the Expo. Iran’s private sector can use these spaces to introduce itself. Some solutions include:
Cooperation with foreign companies: Some Iranian brands can attend the exhibition through third-party companies, as product suppliers or even in the form of a joint venture.
Parallel exhibitions: Many participating countries hold side events and business meetings in which representatives of the Iranian private sector can attend.

2. The role of informal economic diplomacy and business networking
Attendance at parallel business meetings: Alongside the Expo, numerous meetings and conferences are held in the fields of investment, startups, technology, and trade. With proper planning, Iranian economic activists can participate in these events and strengthen their international connections.

Attending this exhibition as a specialized visiting delegation and taking advantage of the opportunity to attend side events and business meetings

Isfahan International Exhibition has sent a specialized delegation to Japan and this exhibition to visit our dear compatriots.

For more information and to register to attend this visiting delegation:
03132611615, 09134083082, 03132611614.