Short Business Profile of Tehran

Population: 16 million (metro)

GDP: ~45% of Iran's total economy

Key Commercial Districts

  • Valiasr Street: Main commercial spine (retail, offices, cafes)
  • Bazar-e Bozorg: Historic trade epicenter (carpets, spices, wholesale)
  • North Tehran: Upscale hubs (Sam Center, Palladium Tower – fintech, luxury goods)
  • West Tehran: Industrial zones (automotive, manufacturing)

Business Infrastructure

  • IKA Airport: Imam Khomeini International (65km south; 90-min drive to center)
  • Metro: 7 lines covering key areas ( 7-9 AM / 4-6 PM rush hours)

Leading Sectors

  • Energy & Petrochemicals: HQs of NIOC & NIPC
  • Automotive: SAIPA, Iran Khodro factories
  • Tech: 1,200+ startups (Digikala = "Iranian Amazon")
  • Finance: Tehran Stock Exchange (TSE) – largest in MENA by listed companies.