Document Type : Research Paper
Authors
1
PhD student in Agricultural Development, Aras, University of Tabriz, Tabriz, Iran
2
Associate Professor Dept. of Extension and Rural Development, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Tabriz, Iran
3
Associate Professor in the Department of Rural Extension and Development at the University of Tabriz, Tabriz,Iran
10.22034/saps.2025.68820.3395
Abstract
Background & Objective: Due to Iran's economic vulnerability resulting from oil dependency, the development of non-oil exports, especially agricultural products, is vital for sustainable economic growth. This study aims to design a strategic model for developing agricultural exports in East Azerbaijan Province.
Methods & Materials: This applied and descriptive-analytical research was conducted using recent statistical data and methods including the Revealed Comparative Advantage (RCA) index, Herfindahl–Hirschman Index (HHI), and strategic models such as ANSOFF and SOAR. The statistical population included major agricultural products of the province and potential target markets. Data were collected from official sources and expert interviews.
Results: Findings categorized agricultural products into three groups: products with sustainable advantage (e.g., apricot, grape, apple), unsustainable advantage (e.g., watermelon, almond), and no advantage (e.g., lentil, bean). Key export destinations identified were Russia, Germany, India, China, the UAE, and Turkey. The HHI index indicated more opportunities in less concentrated markets. Major obstacles were inadequate packaging infrastructure, weak marketing, and logistics problems.
Conclusion: The proposed model emphasizes maintaining sustainable advantages, strengthening unsustainable advantages, and restructuring products without advantage. Recommendations include establishing a relative advantage monitoring system, export incentives, improving transport, and expanding border warehouses. These strategies can boost exports, foreign exchange income, employment, and food security. The main limitation was limited access to precise export data.
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