According to a report by the Industry and Mining Desk of the IRIB News Agency, Mahmoudreza Sanatkar said at the opening ceremony of the 11th Iranpenex International Stationery Exhibition that holding the exhibition under current conditions is not merely a specialized commercial event, but also a symbol of resilience, responsibility, and hope among industry professionals in the face of economic challenges and the difficult circumstances facing the country.
Referring to the challenges facing the stationery industry, he added that sharp fluctuations in foreign exchange rates, rising costs of raw materials, pricing difficulties, the consequences of war and regional developments, as well as instability in the implementation of in-person and online education, have placed significant pressure on manufacturers and the stationery market.
Sanatkar described the presence of manufacturers, distributors, and companies active in the exhibition as a sign of their commitment to and belief in the future of the industry. He said that the active participation of businesses in this sector demonstrates that, despite all the pressures, the stationery industry has not abandoned its path of production and development.
The Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Association of Stationery Manufacturers of Iran expressed his appreciation for the participation of companies and industry professionals, stating that this support is a valuable asset for the stationery sector and demonstrates that the foundations of this industry are too deeply rooted to be brought to a standstill by temporary challenges.
He emphasized that overcoming the current circumstances requires solidarity, planning, support for domestic production, industry-wide unity, and a realistic yet hopeful outlook toward the future.
Sanatkar concluded by expressing hope that, in addition to creating business opportunities, the exhibition would help expand cooperation, increase synergy, and establish a clearer outlook for the future of Iran’s stationery industry.
Majid Akbari: The Exhibition Plays an Effective Role in Boosting the Market and Supporting Manufacturers
Majid Akbari, Executive Director of the 11th Iranpenex Stationery Exhibition and the 5th Irantoyex Toy Exhibition, told reporters on the sidelines of the exhibitions that approximately 150 companies are participating in the event. Of these, around 25 are importers, while some companies are active in both production and imports. However, the majority of participants are domestic manufacturers.
Akbari described the event as the largest gathering of the country’s stationery and toy industries and said that, considering the closure of schools last year, they hope the exhibition will play an effective role in boosting the market and supporting manufacturers this year, coinciding with the reopening of schools.
“Positive 168” Campaign and the Planting of 168 Saplings in Memory of Martyred Children
Referring to the cultural programs planned for this edition, the exhibition’s executive director said that 168 saplings have been symbolically planted in an area called “Narenjestan” in memory of martyred children.
He added that the “Positive 168” campaign has also been launched with the donation of 168 backpacks. All participants can contribute additional backpacks before the beginning of the school year so that they can be distributed among underprivileged students across the country.
He further stated that the exhibition’s art section, titled “ArtMax,” is being held for the fourth consecutive year, providing artists with an opportunity to present their works in interaction with the stationery and toy industries.
“We Stay Together, We Build the Future” — This Year’s Exhibition Slogan
Akbari explained that the products presented at the event are offered across seven to eight major product categories, including stationery, office equipment, filing and archiving products, engineering supplies, fantasy products, notebooks, and promotional gifts. He added that efforts have been made to utilize the full potential of the industry.
Referring to this year’s exhibition slogan, he said: “We Stay Together, We Build the Future,” adding that they believe the future of the country will be built through solidarity and cooperation among all those active in this industry.
Foreign Brands at the Exhibition Operate Under Representation or Licensing Agreements
Regarding the presence of foreign brands, the exhibition’s executive director clarified that no foreign company is participating directly in the exhibition and that the brands present either operate under license or have representatives in Iran.
Responding to criticism regarding the availability of foreign products at the exhibition, Akbari said that such criticism is not based on expert analysis, as not all stationery products are currently manufactured domestically. Products such as staplers and staples are still not produced locally. In addition, limitations in raw materials and economic challenges have made 100-percent domestic production impossible in all sectors.
He emphasized that the goal is to create a healthy competitive environment, prevent monopolies, and provide consumers with a diverse range of choices. Just as in other countries, where product diversity reflects production capabilities, Iran should also utilize domestic production capacity alongside targeted imports.
Domestic Production Can Meet 70% of the Market, with Strong Export Potential
Regarding the share of domestic production in the stationery market, Akbari stated that under current conditions, domestic production capacity can meet approximately 70 percent of the market. If conditions for supplying raw materials improve, the import of necessary materials is facilitated, and the required infrastructure is provided, this capacity can increase.
He also referred to the export potential of Iran’s stationery and toy industries, saying that Iran has the capacity to export to regional countries and even some European markets. However, realizing this potential requires appropriate economic infrastructure, the facilitation of trade exchanges, and the ability to repatriate export revenues.
Babak Abedin: Synergy Between the Printing Industry, Stationery, and Toys Can Drive Production and Exports
Babak Abedin, Chairman of the Iranian Association of Printing and Packaging Manufacturers and Exporters, emphasized the need for synergy between cultural industries and the printing industry on the sidelines of the 11th Specialized Stationery Exhibition and the 5th Specialized Toy Exhibition. He stated that the development of production, increased competitiveness, and the expansion of exports can only be achieved through cooperation and an understanding of the mutual capacities of different industries.
Expressing his appreciation to the exhibition organizers, he said that holding such an event under difficult economic conditions is a valuable initiative that restores hope and motivation among economic players in this sector. He added that the continued organization of the 11th Stationery Exhibition and the 5th Toy Exhibition demonstrates the commitment of industry associations to supporting the sector.
Exhibitions Provide a Platform for Solidarity and the Development of Cultural Industries
Referring to the role of industry associations in strengthening the stationery and toy industries, Abedin added that the continued presence of associations alongside manufacturers, particularly under difficult economic conditions, deserves appreciation. This support has encouraged industry players to continue their activities with greater motivation and has helped preserve the country’s production capacity.
He emphasized that economic growth and development are achieved through solidarity, cooperation, and awareness of one another’s capabilities, and that exhibitions provide the best opportunity for establishing such interactions.
The Printing Industry Complements the Stationery and Toy Industries
Abedin stated that the printing and packaging industry considers itself a complementary industry to other production sectors. He said that close cooperation between printing industry professionals and stationery and toy manufacturers can create greater added value for products and provide the basis for increased competitiveness in domestic and export markets.
He added that appropriate design, high-quality printing, and quality packaging play an important role in the appeal of products and their success in domestic and international markets, and can contribute to the development of exports in these industries.
The Printing Industry Is Ready to Cooperate with Stationery Industry Professionals
Referring to the challenges involved in organizing specialized exhibitions, he said that those with experience in organizing exhibitions know very well how difficult it is to create such a platform under current conditions. Nevertheless, establishing this economic platform provides a valuable opportunity for exchanging experiences, developing cooperation, and creating business connections among industry professionals.
Abedin concluded by emphasizing that the printing and packaging industry is fully prepared to provide its services and capabilities in support of the economic development activities of stationery and toy manufacturers, expressing hope that this interaction will contribute to the further growth of the country’s cultural industries.
Ehsan Monshi: Production Is the Foundation of the Country’s Economic Security
Ehsan Monshi, Chairman of the Iranian Toy Manufacturers Association, stated at the opening ceremony of the 11th Specialized Stationery Exhibition and the 5th Specialized Toy Exhibition that it has become clear to everyone that no one but Iranians themselves will build Iran, and that the country’s interests and prosperity can only be achieved through the efforts and solidarity of the people and economic stakeholders.
Referring to the country’s economic conditions, Monshi added that any threat against Iran primarily targets its economic security. Under such circumstances, maintaining and strengthening domestic production is essential. If production is weakened, the country will face widespread unemployment as well as economic and social consequences.
He emphasized that everyone has a responsibility to support manufacturers and the country’s industries so that, through solidarity, the way can be paved for Iran’s development and progress.
“We Stay Together, We Build the Future” — A Slogan Suited to Today’s Conditions
Referring to this year’s exhibition slogan, the Chairman of the Iranian Toy Manufacturers Association said that “We Stay Together, We Build the Future” is a smart choice that is well suited to the country’s current circumstances and conveys a message of solidarity and hope to those active in the industry.
More Than 400 New Products Introduced at the Exhibition
Monshi stated that despite the challenging timing of the exhibition, the Iranian Toy Manufacturers Association considered participation in this event a responsibility.
He explained that during this edition of the exhibition, a selection of more than 400 products designed and manufactured in the country since the beginning of last year has been presented to visitors.
He also announced that merchants and traders from Middle Eastern countries had been invited to attend the exhibition, adding that they hope the participation of domestic and international economic stakeholders will help expand trade cooperation and further boost the country’s toy industry.
Mohsen Golestani: Declining Demand and the Growing Concern of School Dropout
Mohsen Golestani, speaking on the sidelines of the 11th Specialized Stationery Exhibition, stated that schools operated in person for only a limited period last year. As a result, a significant portion of the stationery purchased remained unused, which has contributed to lower demand this year.
He added that remote work in government offices and businesses, reduced corporate activity, and workforce reductions across many economic units have also contributed to the decline in stationery consumption.
School Dropout: A Threat Beyond Market Stagnation
Golestani expressed concern over the increasing number of students dropping out of school, saying that the main concern is not simply the shrinking stationery market. More worrying is the rise in school dropout rates, particularly at the elementary level.
He warned that illiteracy and inadequate education among the next generation could cause damage to the country whose effects may remain for decades.
He added that if families are unable to provide their children with educational necessities due to economic difficulties, the consequences will not be limited to the stationery sector, but will affect society as a whole.
Mahmoudreza Sanatkar: The Exhibition Is an Opportunity to Strengthen Industry Solidarity
Mahmoudreza Sanatkar, speaking at the opening ceremony of the 11th Specialized Stationery Exhibition, stated that the active participation of industry professionals in the event is not merely a continuation of a professional activity, but demonstrates the determination of manufacturers, distributors, and other industry stakeholders to overcome difficult economic conditions and maintain market dynamism.
Welcoming industry professionals, manufacturers, and members of the stationery sector, the Chairman of the Association of Stationery Manufacturers of Iran expressed his appreciation for the broad participation of industry stakeholders in the 11th edition of the exhibition.
He added that the continued organization of the event demonstrates the strong determination of industry professionals to maintain professional connections, expand cooperation, and strengthen domestic production capabilities.
Overcoming Challenges by Relying on Domestic Capabilities
Referring to the conditions of the country’s stationery market, Sanatkar said that the stationery industry has faced numerous pressures and difficulties in recent months. However, the strong presence of industry professionals at the exhibition demonstrates that hope for the future and the determination to continue along this path remain strong.
He emphasized that solidarity and cooperation among manufacturers, industry associations, and other stakeholders can help overcome existing challenges and strengthen domestic production.
Manufacturers Face Challenges in Securing Raw Materials
The Chairman of the Stationery Retailers’ Union, referring to manufacturers’ difficulties, stated that rising wages, increasing raw-material prices, and difficulties in securing the materials required for production have made conditions extremely challenging for manufacturers.
He added that the process of registering orders and importing the raw materials needed for production has also faced difficulties, negatively affecting manufacturing units.
He said that part of the market’s demand is supplied through domestic production, while some products must necessarily be imported. However, since July of last year, no significant orders have been registered for the import of finished products, creating difficulties in meeting market demand.
Call for Tax Exemptions on High-Consumption Stationery Items
Golestani, referring to the exhibition’s weaker market activity compared with previous years, said that although industry professionals continue their activities with hope, market conditions have become more difficult and the effects of this recession can also be observed at the exhibition.
Ali Shirin-Zad: Stationery and Toys Are Tools for Cultural Identity
Ali Shirin-Zad, speaking at the opening ceremony of the 11th Specialized Stationery Exhibition and the 5th Specialized Toy Exhibition, stated that a significant number of brands available in the market have non-Iranian origins. He added that even some domestic brands do not have visual identities and designs appropriate to Iranian culture, an issue that requires serious reconsideration.
Imports Reduce Production and Employment Opportunities
Referring to domestic production capabilities, Shirin-Zad added that part of the demand for stationery and toys is currently met through imports, whereas expanding domestic production could create employment, strengthen the national economy, and reduce dependence on imports.
He emphasized that at a time when the country faces economic challenges and youth employment concerns, directing market demand toward domestic products can play an effective role in boosting production and preserving national resources.
Stationery and Toys Are Tools for Shaping Identity
The member of the Parliament’s Cultural Commission stated that these two industries are not merely economic sectors. From a sociological perspective, stationery, toys, and related industries are important tools in shaping the cultural identity of children and adolescents and should therefore receive special attention in cultural policymaking.
Referring to recent attacks by the Israeli regime on educational and research centers in the country, he stated that the targeting of schools, universities, and scientific centers demonstrates that Iran’s future and cultural identity are being targeted. Therefore, those active in culture and education have a significant responsibility to preserve and strengthen this national asset.
The Cultural Commission Is Ready to Address Industry Stakeholders’ Concerns
Emphasizing the Parliament’s engagement with the stationery and toy industries, Shirin-Zad said that the Cultural Commission is prepared to hold specialized meetings and receive the views of associations, organizations, and industry professionals in order to help address existing legislative challenges and follow up on executive issues.
He concluded by inviting manufacturers, industry associations, and exhibition organizers to submit their demands and proposals to the Cultural Commission so that, in cooperation with executive bodies, the Ministry of Culture and Islamic Guidance, the Ministry of Education, and other relevant institutions, more effective support can be provided to the industry.
He also called on members of the Cultural Commission to support the exemption of high-consumption stationery items from value-added tax, adding that this demand would not only benefit the stationery sector but would also help reduce the financial burden on families, ensuring that no parent is prevented by economic difficulties from providing their children with necessary educational supplies or supporting their continued education.
The exhibition was organized by Avapeyk Tahrir Iranian Company, under the management of Mr. Majid Akbari, with the aim of supporting domestic manufacturers, developing business opportunities, and strengthening professional connections across the stationery and toy industries.
Source: Eghtesad gardan
