TEHRAN Iran, Aug.15
Trend:
Iran's exhibition industry has incurred losses of $2.3-million as a result of the negative impact of the coronavirus spread, said the Managing Director of Iran International Exhibitions Company.
"There are 3,300 businessmen and 450 booth making companies in the country that are facing losses due to closure of the exhibition activities," said Bahman Hosseinzadeh, Trend reports citing IRNA.
"Development of the exhibition industry could expand the economy and reduce reliance on the oil export, and exhibitions play an important role in connecting producers and consumers," Hosseinzadeh added.
"Since the coronavirus outbreak in Iran, only three exhibitions were held in the country, and many people have lost their jobs due to suspension of many exhibitions," he said. "We hope that national exhibitions can be held with the observation of health protocols. For instance, Tehran International Fair has a large area of 85 hectares which could be used for open space exhibitions while visitors would be provided with masks free of charge."
"Furthermore, suspension of international exhibitions in the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) and western Asia also negatively affected Iran's market, as attending exhibitions in foreign countries is important for boosting the economy as well as export and production operations," the managing director said.
"Iranian companies that were expected to attend exhibitions abroad can not obtain permits to participate in these events amid the coronavirus," he said.