While the leading exporters to Iran remain primarily Germany , Italy and Japan , Iran's trade policies provide opportunities for other trade partners beyond the small circle of the world's major trading nations. Suppliers as diversified as Australia, the Netherlands, Sweden, Switzerland, Spain, Austria, Cyprus, India and the neighboring Arab countries have all successfully secured new business and trade opportunities over the past few years reflecting a significant shift in the country's trade pattern. In 1974 , the United States, Netherlands, Germany, United Kingdom, Italy and France accounted for 70% of Iran's imports and exports. By 1994, this figure had declined to 50%, and in turn, a total of 14 countries now account for 70% of Iran's trade. Of significant note is the burgeoning trade between Iran and the regional Central Asian / Caucasus nations and this region in particular, in light of the growth of ECO, is the focus of increased expectations as in addition to the forging of ties with other regional trading blocks such as ASEAN and the EU, has set up a shipping line, regional bank and insurance company to underwrite international trade.