- 2025-12-23 01:05:00
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- 1 min read
The Need to Attract Foreign Investment to Drive Export Growth
The International Affairs Advisor to the Trade Promotion Organization of Iran announced a 3.3-fold increase in trade with Eurasia during the 5.5-year implementation of the trade agreement with the Eurasian Economic Union (from October 27, 2019 to May 15, 2025). He emphasized that foreign investment has played a significant role in the export performance of countries such as China and Vietnam, noting that in some years, foreign-invested exports accounted for nearly half of China’s total exports, while in Vietnam more than 70 percent of exports have been generated through foreign investment.
Mirhadi Seydi, in a comparative analysis, described the limited role of foreign investment in Iran’s exports as a highly important missed opportunity for the country’s economic development.
Presenting thought-provoking statistics from international experiences, Seydi stated: “In some countries, nearly 90 percent of exports originate from foreign investment. This clearly demonstrates the level of impact foreign capital has on export development in today’s global economy.”
Referring to Vietnam, he added: “Last year, Vietnam recorded exports worth USD 385 billion, more than 70 percent of which resulted from foreign investment. Had Vietnam failed to attract this capital, its exports today would stand at around USD 100 billion instead of USD 385 billion.”
The Trade Promotion Organization advisor also stressed that even China—often cited as a miracle of export-led growth—owes part of its success to foreign investment.
Expressing regret over Iran’s situation in this regard, Seydi said: “Unfortunately, Iran has not been successful in attracting foreign investment, and its contribution to our export sector remains minimal. This represents a highly important opportunity for expanding Iran’s exports, and in the coming years, serious efforts must be made to harness this exceptional capacity.”
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