During the meeting, Dr. Jalili, President of the Iran International Exhibitions Association and CEO of Khuzestan Exhibition Center, highlighted recent achievements and stated, “The attraction of foreign delegations has fortunately been vigorously pursued in recent years, and a variety of exhibitions at centers such as Khuzestan, Isfahan, Urmia, Fars, Gorgan, Zanjan, Kermanshah, Mashhad, and Tabriz have hosted international delegations.”

He continued, “This year as well, the exhibition calendar features seven export-oriented events—including Iran Expo—dedicated to products with export potential in cities such as Shiraz, Khuzestan, Kermanshah, Mashhad, Zanjan, and Urmia, each set to host numerous foreign business delegations.”

The Association President also noted, “In the field of public relations, the publication of journals, the launch of a website, and the establishment of virtual groups have all been carried out in line with the organizational structure. Moreover, numerous educational and promotional programs have been organized, and significant efforts have been dedicated to exhibition branding. As a result, foreign participation in branded exhibitions has also been especially prominent. For example, this year’s Yazd Textiles Exhibition was attended by representatives from multiple different countries.”

Dr. Jalili further emphasized, “While we cannot claim that the exhibition industry has achieved its ideal state, it is continuously on the path of growth and development. The Trade Promotion Organization and its executives have provided significant support for the exhibition sector, and this constructive collaboration has steadily strengthened over recent years. This year, too, we will provide the organization with a report on branded exhibitions and export-oriented goods.”

He added, “On the other hand, we sustained damages following the twelve-day imposed war, and it is expected that the government will allocate a special share for exhibitions in its support packages for industries.” He also requested that, in view of the exhibition season having commenced, the processes for exhibition rating and licensing be expedited.

Continuing the session, Engineer Ali Emami, Director-General of the Logistics Services Department at the Trade Promotion Organization of Iran, commended the performance of the Association and the exhibition sector, emphasizing, “Your activities and services, especially in attracting foreign traders, should be documented and presented as tangible achievements.”

He added, “It is also essential that international exhibition events be regularly publicized to ensure that everyone is aware of their significance.” Referring to the lack of awareness among officials regarding the role of exhibitions, he stressed: “Governors must recognize that the path to provincial economic and production growth lies in exports, and disseminating the impact of exhibitions on exports can better inform ministers, deputies, and governors about the importance of exhibition exchanges and their positive effects on the economy.”

He further said, “If branded exhibitions are elevated to the level of expos, their influence will be doubled.” He noted that “the Association has been performing very strongly in its current term, and the Organization also enjoys an excellent relationship with it. Since the arrival of Mr. Jalili and Mr. Hashemi to the Association, we can confidently say we are witnessing the Association’s golden era, and we hope that, with the cooperation of its members, exhibitions will increasingly move towards internationalization. Non-branded exhibitions should be limited, and only credible exhibitions should be held.”

The Director-General of the Logistics Department went on to emphasize, “It is essential to strengthen links between exhibition centers, and staff should be sent to other domestic and international centers for site visits and experience sharing.”

Referring to the damages exhibitions suffered during the twelve-day war, he suggested that a portion of the post-war support packages should be allocated to exhibitions as well.

In conclusion, he stressed the importance of continuing such meetings, stating that the insights and experiences of exhibition managers, who have close interaction with exporters and visitors, are transferred to us, and that the Organization, with its international relations, can help facilitate greater interactions for the advancement of exhibitions.