Why did we miss out on the world's largest free trade agreement?
The head of Iran's Chamber of Commerce says that keeping Iran out of international free trade agreements in different parts of the world could be costly for the country.
According to the International Iranian Stone Exhibition, Gholamhossein Shafei, referring to the largest free trade agreement in the world, which was signed a few weeks ago between 15 countries in Asia and Oceania, said: This agreement in terms of the number of countries present and its geographical and demographic size Which included was unique in its kind, and while the name of Iran could be included in this list, unfortunately we missed this golden opportunity.
Referring to the presence of countries in the agreement that were previously in extensive economic competition with each other, he said: "In this agreement, for the first time, free trade has been signed between China and two important countries, Japan and South Korea." Today, China, the main rival of the United States and Japan and Korea, are its allies in East Asia. This agreement, however, shows that beyond political views, these countries are willing to take broad measures to achieve their national interests.
According to the head of the Iranian Chamber of Commerce, agreements concluded for free trade will pave the way for faster exports and imports, and will be of great importance to a country like Iran that intends to enter international markets, but what about Iran's absence? The agreement, or in similar agreements, intensifies the country's economic isolation.
Referring to the major priorities defined for the country in this area, Shafi'i said: "If we intend to join the World Trade Organization, we must make the necessary preparations for such an action, but unfortunately not to join such important agreements as a significant part of the population." And the geography of the world is active in it, making it harder for us than ever before.
According to him, in addition to the direct interests of free trade, entering into international agreements in the decision-making structure of the country and moving towards economic development in various fields is also very important, and therefore decision-makers must take serious steps in this regard.
* ISNA
