Iftar Ceremony of the German-Iranian Chamber: Renewing Commitment to a Sustainable Future

On the second night of the holy month of Ramadan, the German-Iranian Chamber of Industry and Commerce, in keeping with its annual tradition, hosted its members and distinguished guests for an iftar banquet. This gathering, attended by members of the board of the Iran Chamber of Commerce, Industries, Mines and Agriculture (ICCIMA) and the German-Iranian Chamber, as well as economic stakeholders and prominent diplomatic representatives, offered a valuable opportunity to strengthen trade cooperation and outline the future prospects of Iran-Germany economic relations.

In this ceremony, Shahin Asghari, President of the German-Iranian Chamber of Industry and Commerce, and Markus Potzel, the German Ambassador to Tehran, emphasized the necessity of enhancing economic relations between the two countries in their speeches. Highlighting the efforts made to expand trade interactions, both speakers underscored the Chamber’s role as an effective platform for facilitating economic cooperation.

Notable figures in attendance included Samad Hassanzadeh, President of the Iran Chamber of Commerce; Payam Bagheri and Hossein Pirmoazen, Vice Presidents of the Iran Chamber; Abolfazl Roghani Golpayegani, Vice Chairman; Amir Houshang Fazeli, Treasurer; and Shahab Javanmardi, Board Member of the German-Iranian Chamber. Other special guests included Ali Majedi, former Iranian Ambassador to Germany and Senior Advisor to the Chamber; Ahmad Pourfallah, President of the Iran-Italy Chamber; Majid Reza Hariri, President of the Iran-China Chamber; and Hamed Asgari, Deputy for International Affairs of the Iran Chamber.

German Ambassador: Striving for Improved Economic and Political Conditions
After the iftar meal, Shahin Asghari, President of the German-Iranian Chamber of Industry and Commerce, welcomed the guests and emphasized the importance of economic cooperation between the two countries. Following him, Markus Potzel, the German Ambassador to Iran, expressed his gratitude to the organizers and highlighted the Chamber’s role in maintaining and strengthening bilateral trade relations:
“I am pleased to be with you at this iftar ceremony, marking the fiftieth anniversary of the Chamber, which continues its work with strength and determination.”

He went on to address the complex foreign policy landscape, the sanctions imposed on Iran, and the approaches of the new German and U.S. administrations:
“Nevertheless, we want to look toward the future with optimism. As a diplomat, this is my job and my goal is to support activities that lead to improved economic and political conditions.”

A New Outlook for Expanding Iran-Germany Trade
Shahin Asghari, President of the German-Iranian Chamber of Industry and Commerce, later addressed the members and guests. Expressing his gratitude to the Chamber’s esteemed members and guests for their presence, he began his speech by reflecting on the Chamber’s history and acknowledging the efforts of those who have contributed to its preservation and progress:
“Tonight, as we gather here, we are experiencing more than a simple iftar. We are sharing a spiritual promise—a promise of hope, of empathy, and of a shared belief that together we can build a better future. I stand before you not only as the President of the German-Iranian Chamber of Industry and Commerce, but as someone who believes deeply in the power of collaboration, in the strength of unity, and in our shared determination.”

He continued:
“This year, the German-Iranian Chamber will celebrate its 50th anniversary. Fifty years of continuous activity and the endurance of such an institution is a testament to its strength and cohesion. In recent years, the Chamber has faced difficult circumstances, but today, having overcome many challenges and obstacles, it is moving forward on a very promising path.”

The President of the German-Iranian Chamber also unveiled the Chamber’s strategic plans for expanding trade cooperation between the two countries. He stated that the current trade volume between Iran and Germany stands at €1.5 billion and expressed his belief that, with improved trade conditions and the lifting of restrictions, this figure could rise to €10 billion.

To symbolize this vision, a display was installed during the ceremony bearing the €10 billion target. With the participation of the German Ambassador and special guests, the figure was marked on the board—serving as a symbol that, through collaboration and solidarity between economic actors and industrialists of both countries, this goal is within reach.

An Evening of Engagement and Cooperation
Following the speeches, participants had the opportunity to meet and engage in discussions. This part of the event was dedicated to building new business networks, fostering interaction among economic stakeholders, and addressing members’ questions by the Chamber’s executive team. In line with this, booths were set up by the event’s sponsors, including MAHAK Charity, Vishka International Trade, Radin Dental Clinic, and Paktin Company.

This year’s iftar banquet once again demonstrated that the German-Iranian Chamber of Industry and Commerce is not merely a trade institution, but a bridge for convergence, dialogue, and the development of sustainable cooperation between Iran and Germany. It is hoped that through continued efforts, a brighter future for the economic relations between the two countries will be realized.