Tehran: Mobarakeh Steel Group, the biggest steel manufacturer in the Middle East, has asked the Indian government to allow Iranian businesses to enter the market in the major economy with the fastest rate of growth in the world.

India is the world’s second-largest producer of steel, according to Abouzar Alvandi, Export Head for Far East and Middle Asia at Mobarakeh Steel Group, who spoke exclusively to ANI on the sidelines of the Iran Expo. We want the Indian government to help Iranian businesses by giving them a tiny portion of the steel import market, given the country’s rapid infrastructural development.”

As neighbors, this collaboration may benefit both nations. We simply want a little portion of the export of steel and other items that the Indian people want. Such an arrangement will enable us to go on with our operations in spite of the restrictions placed on Iran. In particular, we ask for permission to export semi-finished goods to the Indian market, including steel slabs,” Alvandi said.

The world’s top producer of Direct Reduced Iron (DRI) and the biggest manufacturer of steel in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) area is Mobarakeh Steel Group. The firm serves important industries, including automotive, construction, home appliances, and packaging, and it provides more than 50% of Iran’s steel.

Alvandi highlighted how sanctions imposed by the US and EU affect Iranian exporters. We have trouble making bank transactions because of these limitations, especially when using the SWIFT system. Because of this, we often have to export indirectly via third-party dealers rather than directly to end customers, who are afraid of being placed on a US sanctions blacklist,” he added.

He also mentioned logistical difficulties, particularly in transporting by sea. “Very few ship owners are willing to work with Iranian companies or send vessels to Iranian ports, which severely hampers our operations,” he said.

“Events like this offer a vital platform for Iranian companies to showcase their products and explore global opportunities, especially with neighboring countries,” Alvandi remarked in reference to the Expo’s relevance. Connecting Iranian exporters with foreign buyers is a major function of the seventh edition of the Iran Expo.