Tehran — Iran is poised to become a major regional food hub, driven by economic reforms, expanding trade corridors, and the country's strategic geographic position, Minister of Agriculture Gholamreza Nouri said.

 

Speaking to journalists at the 33rd International Iran Agrofood Exhibition, Nouri said Iran had successfully maintained the uninterrupted supply of essential commodities and safeguarded food security in recent months despite challenging circumstances, underscoring the resilience of the country's agricultural sector and supply chains.

 

The minister praised the efforts of military personnel, public servants, producers, and the Iranian people for helping preserve stability and national cohesion, stating that collective determination and unity had enabled the country to navigate recent challenges successfully.

 

Highlighting the government's economic reform agenda, Nouri described the restructuring of the foreign-exchange system in the agricultural sector as a landmark measure. “The reform removed subsidized currency allocations from the initial stages of production and redirected government support to consumers through an electronic voucher scheme, a move he said would enhance market efficiency and facilitate agricultural trade.”

 

"These reforms have laid the groundwork for a new chapter in the development of Iran's agricultural trade and exports," he said. "They have addressed longstanding bottlenecks and created more favorable conditions for investment, production, and international commerce."

 

The minister also outlined the ministry's vision for expanding regional trade, emphasizing Iran's unique logistical advantages. He noted that the country is strategically positioned along the North–South and East–West transit corridors and enjoys access to international waterways, offering significant opportunities to strengthen its role in regional food supply chains.

 

"Our objective is to transform Iran into a regional food hub," Nouri said. "By capitalizing on our agricultural production capacity, transportation infrastructure, and strategic location, we can become a key center for the trade, transit, processing, and distribution of agricultural products across the region."

 

He added that Iran is well positioned not only to ensure its own food security but also to contribute meaningfully to the food security of neighboring countries, reinforcing its role as a leading regional actor in agricultural production and food trade.