Yazd and Athens Set to Strengthen Cultural and Economic Relations

Opportunities for joint cooperation between Yazd and Athens were explored during an online meeting held with the Ambassador of the Islamic Republic of Iran to Greece and the Yazd Chamber of Commerce.

According to the Public Relations department of the Yazd Chamber of Commerce, the meeting was attended by Malekhossein Givzad, Iran’s Ambassador to Greece, Bahmani, Iran’s cultural attaché, Shaban, Iran’s consul, Hassani, the Commercial Attaché in Greece, and some members of the Yazd Chamber’s Board of Representatives. The participants discussed potential areas of collaboration.

Mojtaba Dastmalchian, President of the Yazd Chamber of Commerce, emphasized tourism development between the two countries and stated: “The Yazd Chamber is ready to host Greek tour operators in Yazd and it is also prepared to organize Yazd Cultural Week in Athens.”

He also highlighted the province’s capacities in construction materials, tiles and ceramics, and greenhouse products, emphasizing the development of exports between the two countries.

Asghar Agha Nabil, Chairman of the Yazd Chamber’s Tourism Commission, also noted: “Given the existing potential and Greeks’ interest in historic cities, Yazd can be attractive to Greek tourists. Following the stability established in Iran, Yazd hotels are welcoming foreign guests and tourists, which is a positive sign for tourism development between the two countries.”

Ali Asghar Beygi, Chairman of the Trade Facilitation and Export Development Commission, described Yazd as an industrial and mining hub, saying: “The province has over 4,000 production units manufacturing more than 840 types of products, exported to over 94 countries. One of Yazd’s competitive advantages is offering complete construction product packages including steel products, ceramic tiles, cement, gypsum, and electrical goods. We aim to work jointly with the Athens Chamber of Commerce to allocate space for organizing Yazd’s Economic-Cultural Week in Greece. On the other hand, we are also ready to introduce Greek products and capabilities.”

Ali Farshad Pour, Chairman of the Domestic Commerce and Import Commission raised questions regarding Greece’s economic recovery and emphasized: “Once investment increased, conditions stabilized, and the budget deficit was addressed, the status of Greek companies and banks improved significantly.”

Malek-Hossein Givzad, Iran’s Ambassador to Greece, also pointed to the positive trajectory of the Greek economy, stating: “Although Greece’s economy is smaller than many EU member states, it is improving across most indicators.”

He added: “The ground is ready for attracting tourists and we are prepared to send Greek tour operators to Yazd Province to act as tourism ambassadors. We are also ready to organize Yazd Week in Greece.”

The ambassador concluded by highlighting the broader potential of the partnership: “Given Greece’s EU membership, exports of Yazd goods to Greece can serve as a gateway to access other European markets.”