With the expansion of new technologies and the introduction of artificial intelligence into the global economy, the difference between traditional trade and modern trade has become clearer than ever. 

In a conversation with Amin Davoudi for Asia News, Roshanak Moradi, a member of the UAE Chamber of Commerce and the President of the Paradigm Trade and Industry Think Tank, spoke about the need for fundamental change in Iran’s trade structure and the necessity of moving beyond economic isolation. She emphasized: “No nation develops in isolation. The future belongs to societies that have the courage to communicate with the world.”

At the beginning of the interview, Moradi pointed to the structural changes taking place in commercial systems and said: 

“Traditional trade is based on inward-oriented, hierarchical, and personal networks. Modern trade, however, is outward-oriented, transparent, and global. According to data from McKinsey, more than 78% of international companies now use data and artificial intelligence in their commercial decision-making. This shows that the world has moved beyond old models and is shifting toward scientific, data-driven decision-making.”

She then explained the changing roles of governments and the private sector in global trade: 

“In the past, international trade was largely controlled by governments, and official political relations determined trade paths. But today, the private sector plays a decisive role in the global economy. According to an OECD report (2023), more than 50% of global trade now takes place through non-governmental agreements between private companies and commercial consortia.” 

Later, when asked about the challenges preventing Iran from entering modern trade, she stated: 

“The most important obstacle is the country’s isolation. No nation can progress in isolation. Communication with the world — whether in economics, science, or culture — is the path to development. A country that does not interact with the world will eventually weaken internally. Engagement means overcoming the fear of competition and joining the future instead of remaining separate from it.”

Moradi noted that the private sector in Iran is largely unable to independently participate in international trade, and that this issue is mainly rooted in political conditions. She stressed: 

“If the government cannot create supportive conditions, it should at least avoid creating obstacles. Only then can the private sector flourish.”

She continued by distinguishing transformation from reform: 

“Reform means repainting an old, worn-out wall. Transformation means rebuilding a structure that can no longer stand. A society that does not communicate with the world will gradually lose even its internal capacity for dialogue. The future belongs to nations that have the courage to connect.”

At the end of the interview, Moradi addressed her peers and stated:

“The present situation in Iran is not permanent. Sooner or later, communication with the world will reopen. The responsibility of our generation is how prepared we will be when that moment arrives. If, when the time comes, we lack knowledge and planning, the shortcoming will be our own. My advice to young people active in trade is to stay updated and understand where the world is heading. This situation will not last forever. One day, we will return to the global stage, and what matters is how we choose to prepare for that moment now.