Evaluating factors influencing the marketing of non-oil products for Iran's exports to the EU

This thesis follows four main objectives. First, it explores Iran's First Development Plan directives from the economic, marketing, cultural, and financial perspectives by comparing data available from both local and international organisations. Second, it sets out to evaluate and determine the categories in which Iran has a comparative advantage. Third, it purports to analyse Iran's classification of competitors, and her exports potential to EU by considering similar and comparable economies. Fourth, it predicts Iran's marketing with EU during her Second Development Plan by forecasting both economic and non-economic factors. In this thesis, we first review and explore many factors that have been considered to be essential for Iran's export during her First Development Plan by using statistical methods such as the trend and time series analyses. Furthermore, the results of Iran's Reveal Comparative Advantage (RCA) for Non-Oil exports to EU indicate that it has a good potential for developing its exports in agriculture and labour-intensive products. Moreover, by reviewing and analysing the trade performance of Iran and its competitors, we can determine the marketing and economic status of these countries in terms of export trends and Non-Oil Export Similarity Index(ESa) in selected categories. Considering our classification of Iran's competitors, we can predict its marketing of Non-Oil products to EU in accordance with its Second Development Plan (1995-99) and with respect to three categories: political and cultural backgrounds, economic and marketing analyses, and interviews with experts. Finally, we can conclude that the model which we have proposed for the export marketing of Iran's Non-Oil products, and which is based on the theories of International Product Life Cycle and Experience Curve, fits in with the implications of the results obtained throughout this research.