The 26th International Exhibition of the Construction Industry, held August 18–21 at the Tehran International Exhibition Center, brought together over 600 domestic and foreign companies across 20 halls. Organized by the Iran Chamber of Cooperatives, the event showcased building materials, machinery, smart systems, renewable energy technologies, and knowledge-based products.
Government Spokesperson Fatemeh Mohajerani, during her tour of the expo, praised the private sector's steadfastness despite economic pressures. "The private sector is a strategic partner of the government," she stated, adding that cooperative capacities must be fully harnessed to support national growth.
Bahman Abdollahi, head of the Iran Chamber of Cooperatives, reported that the previous edition of the exhibition generated approximately $800 million in export contracts, with this year expected to yield similar or greater opportunities for trade expansion. He noted a significant increase in foreign guests, knowledge-based firms, and renewable energy activists compared to last year.
Abdollahi emphasized the untapped potential of the cooperative sector, pointing out that over 18 million Iranians are cooperative members and more than 30 million benefit from cooperative services. He called for greater utilization of cooperatives in essential goods distribution, transport, and border economies.
He also highlighted that 453 border cooperatives operate across 17 provinces, with 7 million members, exporting $2.3 billion last year. Supporting these cooperatives, he argued, is not only an economic imperative but also a security measure that prevents migration and sustains border communities.
Specialized panels on public housing, rental schemes, and professional leasing were held alongside the exhibition, with participation from the Ministry of Transport and Urban Development and Bank Maskan.
This year's expo transcended a mere trade fair, emerging as a platform for dialogue on smart housing, clean energy, and the cooperative sector's pivotal role in national economic resilience and export development.
