The Islamic Republic of Iran has long served as a nexus for trade and culture between East and West. Among the largest, most populous and strategically important nations of the region, it harbors within its borders an amazing assortment of climates, landscapes and ethnic cities.

Iran's role as a major trade route can be traced as far back as the 4th century B.C. when during what was known as the persian Empire, the forerunner of modern Iran, the Silk Road was established linking Iran with China, Europe, Asia and the Middle East. Since then, throughout the centuries, Iran has undergone many changes, as has the rest of the world, yet, despite the changes, Iran has retained its unique characteristics and culture. Those who, with courage and resourcefulness, explored the Silk Road's original path are the ancestors of present day Iranians who remain as innovative as their forefathers. Always known for its rich culture and abundant resources, Iran's geographic position has always placed it as a primary link between civilizations.

The Iran of today possesses the largest market in the Middle East. Its population exceeds the combined total of all the countries in the Persian Gulf region. It shares borders of over 1,600 km. with the newly independent nations of the Caucasus and serves as a gateway via Turkmenistan to the Central Asian Republics. To the east, lies Pakistan and Afghanistan, and to the west Turkey and Iraq with the Persian Gulf states to the south, providing access to a total combined market of over 300 million people. The location of Iran, along with its many resources, raw materials, industries, educated and disciplined
workforce, rapidly developing financial infrastructure and an entrepreneurial class that has been involved in international commerce for over 5,000 years, has led once again to the re-emergence of Iran as a bridge between the East and the West as it was during the legendary days of the Silk Road. This re-emergence thus merits a more in-depth study of today's Islamic Republic so as to determine how its markets and resources can be coordinated with those of other nations in today's global economy.

In sum, those who come to Iran are not only touched by the legendary gracious hospitality of its inhabitants, scenic beauty and value-based traditions, but also by a country linked by cross country rail lines, highways, modern office blocks and a state of the art telecommunications system buoyed by intelligent networks, fiber optic links and satellites. The Iran of today has now emerged as a hub of buyers, sellers, producers, and consumers strategically positioned in the heart of the Eurasian continent , providing both local and international business easy access to a rich, vibrant national, regional and global market. These businesses are an integral part of the community that is Iran - a country that is taking its rightful place as a leader in the global economic community that is the world - as Your Partner in Trade.