By Honorary Reporter Parvaneh Hosseinzadeh from Iran
Photos = Hossein Tanhaei

Hossein Tanhaei, an economic activist and president of the Iran and South Korea Chamber of Commerce in the Iranian capital of Tehran, seeks stronger bilateral ties in economy and culture.

The following are excerpts from a Nov. 1 phone interview with Tanhaei marking the 63rd anniversary of Korean-Iranian ties, with the executive highlighting growing global interest in Hallyu (Korean Wave) and his chamber's plans.

How is Korea-Iran trade and what is your chamber's role in bilateral ties?

Korea has historically good trade relations with Iran, though bilateral trade volume is not as high as in the past. Chambers of commerce can raise business communications, especially in non-oil commodities, through the creation of joint projects.

We have not defined a specific project to strengthen cultural ties at the moment as our main duty is development of commercial communications, but we intend to support cultural, social and public programs in the near future.

Iran and South Korea Chamber of Commerce President Hossein Tanhaei

How has Hallyu affected economic and other ties between both nations?

I believe a key strategy for global trade development is leveraging cultural understanding. Gaining insight into the history and culture of trade partners and organizing programs that promote mutual understanding can significantly strengthen commercial ties.

For instance, an "Iranian Cultural Week" in Korea or "Korean Cultural Week" in Iran can enhance mutual recognition. Both countries have rich histories with notable similarities, and such events would highlight trade routes and market needs while fostering cultural appreciation.

Culture also opens gateways for commerce: Iran's cultural presence in Korea and East Asia can create new opportunities, while Korea's cultural image in Iran can support the expansion of Korean businesses in the Middle East.

How can culture link bilateral trade? Can Hallyu help economic diplomacy?
Cultural industries can strengthen commercial relations by building social trust. Our chamber supports cultural initiatives that foster economic discussions, enhance trust and promote trade. Cultural phenomenon like Hallyu deepens connections across cultural, social and economic spheres, creating recognition between consumers and sellers. This is especially effective for exporting Iranian cultural goods such as carpet, leather and traditional crafts while also reinforcing the presence of Korean products in Iran. Thus Hallyu can be a complementary tool for economic diplomacy.

Hossein Tanhaei delivers a speech.

What image do Koreans have of Iran and how does this affect trade relations?
Cultural and commercial exchanges between the two countries used to be very close -- a street in Seoul is even named Tehran Road -- but today, Korean society has insufficient knowledge of Iran, especially the young generation. In contrast, K-dramas, literature and stories are popular among young Iranians.

Strengthening cultural exchanges and organizing joint events that connect Korean youth with emerging Iranian entrepreneurs can expand trade and cultural relations simultaneously.

What is your vision for economic relations over the next five years?

While political factors will influence developments, we expect to raise bilateral commercial ties through longstanding cultural and social connections.

Our chamber will seek projects to enhance trade relations and serve as a support base for Iranian companies collaborating with Korea, as well as for Korean companies interested in private cooperation with Iran. Expanding non-oil commercial communications despite certain restrictions remains a key priority.

Finally, I invite Korean entrepreneurs and economic actors to join these efforts and set up a bilateral chamber of commerce under the Korean Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Seoul, ensuring that cultural and commercial exchanges continue to grow.

msjeon22@korea.kr

*This article is written by a Korea.net Honorary Reporter. Our group of Honorary Reporters are from all around the world, and they share with Korea.net their love and passion for all things Korean.