Think Tank Scrutinizes Iran’s Trade Agreements Since 1979

Iran’s application for accession to the World Trade Organization has been hanging in the air for nearly 24 years and counting. 
This, on top of tough US sanctions reimposed on the country has prompted Iranian authorities to opt for bilateral, trilateral and regional trade agreements in the hope that the detrimental effects of trade restrictions can be curbed. 
Iran has signed 138 trade and customs agreements with 69 countries since the 1979 Islamic Revolution. Yet, experts with the Iranian Parliament’s Research Center believe these agreements have failed to offer tangible results in expanding the country’s economy. 
Drawing on data provided by the Islamic Republic of Iran Customs Administration, Majlis Research Center wrote in a recent report that out of the 138 trade and customs agreements signed by Iran, only 16 were with countries that were among its top 30 trade partners.