The 26th International Industrial Exhibition took place in Tehran from August 18 to 21. The event covered numerous sectors, including equipment, building materials, doors and windows, elevators, mechanical and electrical installations, smart systems, as well as architectural solutions and knowledge-based products.
The exhibition was held across 20 pavilions at the Tehran International Exhibition Center and was organized by the Iranian Chamber of Cooperatives. More than 600 domestic and foreign companies participated in the international event.
The head of the Iranian Chamber of Cooperatives reported that the previous version of the exhibition saw the signing of approximately $800 million in export contracts, and it is expected that the current event will also serve as a basis for expanding trade interaction and exporting national products.
During her visit, government press secretary Fatemeh Mohajerani stated that the more actively the private and cooperative sectors participate in production and business, the smoother the path to economic growth will be. She emphasized that the private sector is a strategic partner of the government and welcomes its development.
Mohajerani noted that since the country needs to utilize all available potential, the cooperative potential should be engaged, and the government is ready for this. She also stressed that despite all difficulties, the private sector remains unwavering and continues to meet the needs of all segments of society.
During his visit, the head of the Iranian Chamber of Cooperatives met with the government press secretary and reported on the increased participation of producers, knowledge-based companies, and foreign guests at the 26th Industrial Exhibition. He particularly highlighted the need for more effective utilization of the undervalued opportunities of cooperatives in providing essential goods, market regulation, transport networks, and border economy.
The head of the Chamber of Cooperatives presented a report on the state of cooperative activities nationwide. Comparing the current exhibition with last year's, he noted that this year there was more domestic producers, knowledge-based companies, renewable energy sector activists, and foreign trade delegations, stating that 'this exhibition was much better than last year—both in terms of producer participation, the number of foreign guests, and the number of visitors.'
According to the head of the Chamber of Cooperatives, the exhibition serves not only as a showcase of industry products and services but also as a platform for direct contact between producers, investors, major developers, and global market players.
Abdollahi added that despite the conditions and numerous challenges in the country, the decision to hold the exhibition was made with the conviction that national activity should not cease. He noted that after this period, the Iranian Chamber of Cooperatives became the first organization to voluntarily hold an exhibition, with the goal of conveying the message of the country's stability and the continuation of economic entities' operations. He expressed gratitude to colleagues for the results of this edition, noting positive international and global response in addition to domestic recognition.
The head of the Chamber of Cooperatives continued that many B2B meetings took place with foreign guests and participants over the two days, which can contribute to presenting the capabilities of Iranian producers and developing export markets.
He also drew attention to the exhibition's focus on knowledge-based companies and renewable energy. A significant portion of the space was dedicated to these areas, with a special emphasis on the presence of such companies and the field of new and renewable energy sources, especially solar.
Abdollahi mentioned the participation of companies involved in clean energy technologies, noting that showcasing new achievements in this field can help develop energy infrastructure and reduce dependence on traditional sources.
Parallel to the exhibition section, specialized panel discussions were held on housing issues. Topics covered included the development of social housing, rental housing, and professional leasing, with participation from representatives of the Ministry of Transport and Urban Development, Maskan Bank, developers, and activists from the cooperative and private sectors.
The head of the Chamber of Cooperatives again mentioned the signed export contracts, recalling that approximately $800 million in export contracts were concluded at the previous exhibition, and it is expected that this year will also provide opportunities to expand trade and export domestic products.
Another key point in the head of the Chamber of Cooperatives' remarks was the attention to the underutilized potential of the cooperative sector. Referring to Article 44 of the Constitution, he defined cooperatives as one of the pillars of the national economy. He emphasized that despite the vastness of the sector, its potential is not fully utilized in many political and programmatic implementations.
According to statistics, over 18 million people in the country are members of cooperatives, and more than 30 million use cooperative services. Furthermore, about 105,000 active cooperatives operate in various fields, including agriculture, industry, mining, services, healthcare, transport, and distribution.
Abdollahi refuted the notion that cooperatives are only active in the housing and consumer sectors, stating that they play a role in important areas such as agricultural production, fishing, transport, healthcare, and goods distribution, but these opportunities are not yet fully reflected in executive decisions. He noted the existence of an extensive network of distribution cooperatives and supply systems for basic goods that can be mobilized.
Referring to more than 4,500 consumer cooperative stores, he called this network one of the largest capacities for goods distribution in the country and emphasized that transferring a larger part of the basic goods distribution process to cooperative networks will help increase transparency, strengthen oversight, and reduce intermediation.
The head of the Chamber of Cooperatives added that thanks to its membership base and accountability to members, the cooperative structure has suitable opportunities for cooperation with executive bodies.
Furthermore, the head of the Chamber of Cooperatives pointed to the significant potential of border cooperatives, calling it the foundation for connecting the local economy and sustainable security in the country. According to available data, 453 border cooperatives operate in 17 border provinces, and about 7 million residents of border areas are their members. These cooperatives exported about $2.3 billion last year and can play a more prominent role in meeting the needs of border provinces, developing legitimate trade, and strengthening local employment.
The official stressed that supporting the livelihoods of residents in border areas is not just an economic issue; it also has significant social and defense implications, preventing migration, reducing marginalization, and supporting the viability of border regions.
During his visit, Mohajerani toured various exhibition halls and stands of domestic and foreign companies, engaging in dialogue with construction industry activists about production capacities, new technologies, and the role of this industry in the country's economic development.
Thus, this year's industrial exhibition was not merely a commercial event showcasing construction products but a platform for discussing broader issues, including export development, the presence of knowledge-based companies, renewable energy, smart housing, and the effective role of cooperatives in the national economy.
The greatest emphasis was placed on the need to transform the actual potential of the cooperative sector into a more effective role in production, distribution, trade, and border area development policies—a potential that, according to activists, with proper attention and support, can become one of the key pillars of economic growth and public participation in the economy.