The formation of a joint economic committee between Yazd and Romania centered on the chambers of commerce

In a joint meeting between the Yazd Chamber of Commerce and the Romanian Ambassador to Iran, economic capacities and areas of cooperation between the two sides were thoroughly discussed.

According to the Public Relations Department of the Yazd Chamber of Commerce, Mr. Mojtaba Dastmalchian, President of the Yazd Chamber, opened the meeting by highlighting the unique features of Yazd Province. He stated that Yazd, inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List, is home to peaceful coexistence among various religions and is considered a leading province in Iran’s economy, particularly in the fields of industry, mining, agriculture, and exports.

Mr.Dastmalchian noted that Yazd is the second most mineral-rich province in Iran, with 32 types of minerals including iron ore, lead, zinc, and industrial clays. In the industrial sector, Yazd ranks among the top four industrial provinces of the country, hosting production units in ceramics, tiles, glass, wires and cables, textiles, steel, and metal parts—many of which are competitive in international markets.

He also pointed out the province’s achievements in agriculture, explaining that despite its arid climate, Yazd has made great strides through modern irrigation and farming methods and plays a significant role in the production of pistachios, pomegranates, saffron, medicinal herbs, and greenhouse crops.

Touching on economic ties between Yazd and Romania, Mr.Dastmalchian emphasized the province’s potential for investment in solar energy due to its 330 sunny days per year and vast sun-drenched plains.

He further stated that Yazd currently exports products such as wires, cables, glass, processed minerals, agricultural goods, food products, and polymers to Romania, while importing livestock, machinery, and industrial equipment. These trade flows, he said, offer a promising platform for deepening economic collaboration.

To enhance bilateral ties, Mr.Dastmalchian proposed the formation of a joint economic committee between Yazd and Romania, led by the chambers of commerce. He also suggested joint investments in industry, mining, and energy infrastructure, utilizing Romania’s industrial technology and equipment.

Additional proposals included expanding markets for Yazd’s goods and services through permanent exhibitions in Romania, tourism exchange, trade delegations, sector-specific exhibitions, and direct cooperation between Yazd Chamber and one of Romania’s chambers of commerce.

He concluded by stating: “With mutual will and constructive engagement, we can open a new chapter in economic cooperation between our two nations.”

Yazd, a Historic City Full of Opportunities

The ambassador of Romania to Iran, Ms. Mirela-Carmen Grecu, expressed her delight at visiting Yazd, calling it a historic city with great potential, and voiced hope for further dialogue and cooperation.

Emphasizing the importance of connectivity between the chambers of commerce, she noted:

“The Expo event was the first step. Today’s meeting in Yazd is the second. The third step will be your presence in Romania.”

The ambassador also mentioned her meeting with the Mayor of Yazd and welcomed the idea of a sister-city relationship between Yazd and Romania. She noted:“Our relationship is both friendly and historic. We are committed to enhancing our interactions. Given our cultural similarities, we believe in creating opportunities for collaborative projects.”

She noted that Romanian tourists visit Yazd regularly, saying: “Yazd is always among the favorite destinations for Romanian travelers.”

Highlighting Romania’s reputation for high-quality service, she offered suggestions for improving Yazd’s tourism infrastructure, especially in areas of medical and fertility tourism.
She also called for focused attention by consular authorities on developing Yazd’s medical tourism potential, particularly in fertility treatment and women’s health.

Yazd: The Investment Paradise of Iran

Mr.Mohammadreza Alamdar Yazdi, Deputy Director for Economic and Tourism Affairs at the Governor’s Office, described Yazd as “Iran’s investment paradise” and underscored its status as the fourth industrial and second mineral-rich province in the country. He invited Romania to explore these vast industrial and mineral capacities.

Mr. Rastgari, Director General of Cultural Heritage, Tourism and Handicrafts of Yazd Province, called for a Romanian delegation visit to Yazd’s historic sites, the promotion of Yazd as a tourist destination, and the organization of familiarization (fam) tours for Romanian bloggers and media.

He also highlighted that Yazd is recognized globally for its cultural heritage and is known as the World City of Zilu (hand-woven carpets) and Traditional Jewelry, with 11 UNESCO-listed sites. He extended an invitation to the Romanian ambassador to attend Yazd’s special celebration for World Handicrafts Day next month.

Mr.Mohammadreza Sadeghian, Director General of the Industry, Mining, and Trade Organization of Yazd Province, discussed investment opportunities in the mining sector and reported Yazd’s high export rankings in glass, steel, and ceramics.

“Yazd produces 17% of Iran’s steel and 50% of its ceramic tiles and holds a leading position in glass exports,” he said. “The province consistently maintains a positive trade balance.”

In addition, Mr. Bakhshayesh, Director of Agricultural Investment at Yazd’s Agricultural Jihad Organization, proposed the creation of joint mega-farms for livestock, poultry, and camels, development of high-tech greenhouses, and joint investments in agricultural logistics.