On 30 September, the Eurasian Economic Forum - 2024 in Yerevan hosted the EAEU-Iran Business Dialogue with the participation of representatives of state bodies, business associations and entrepreneurs. 

The event included a panel discussion on the development of trade and economic cooperation, and sectoral round tables on agriculture, industry, transport and financial instruments to facilitate trade and investment.

In the course of the round tables, the EAEU and Iranian businessmen presented their current and prospective projects. The participants paid special attention to the Free Trade Agreement between the EAEU and Iran signed in December 2023, which provides for duty-free trade in 90 per cent of the commodity nomenclature.

Andrei Slepnev, Minister for Trade of the Eurasian Economic Commission (EEC), emphasised the importance of removing trade barriers and creating conditions for successful business interaction.

He also expressed confidence that the EAEU and Iran are natural economic partners and their co-operation is doomed to success if all opportunities are realised.

Andrei Slepnev emphasised the need for regular meetings and the trade infrastructure establishment. He informed attendees about his intention to participate in a large-scale Eurasian Exhibition in Tehran in December. He estimated the growth potential of trade turnover between Iran and the EAEU at $12bn.

A B2B service was held on the margins of the forum, which promoted the establishment of direct business contacts between interested participants. The Iranian delegation attended other event sessions, emphasising the importance of establishing and developing business contacts between the two sides.