Nahavand: The Emerging Hub of Fish Exports to Russia and Eurasia

Ali Safa Zamanian, CEO of Ghezal Protein Gamasyab Nahavand Company, stated that the company began its operations in 2017 with the aim of supplying raw protein-based animal products, specializing in both marine and farmed aquatic species. The company was established on a 10,000-square-meter plot with a 3,000-square-meter production facility.

According to Arman Hamedan, Zamanian added that the company is currently implementing the second phase of its expansion and equipment development plan. This plan focuses on the packaging and processing of various types of red meat and fish, with an annual capacity of 3,000 tons. The first phase required an investment of 300 billion rials, and the second phase—including the purchase of advanced equipment and the construction of a cold storage facility—has attracted an additional 700 billion rials.

He further noted that, upon completion of the development plan, the company’s total annual processing and packaging capacity for aquatic products, red meat, fish, and poultry will reach 5,000 tons. The company also established the first and only fish egg processing and packaging center in Iran, with a capacity of 500 tons, which was inaugurated during the Fajr Decade last year. In total, the company currently employs 55 people directly.

Zamanian emphasized that while the domestic market was the primary target in the first phase, the second phase focuses on expanding exports to the Middle East, Central Asia, and Europe. Last year alone, the company exported over 300 tons of fresh and frozen fish to Azerbaijan and Russia, and in the first half of this year, 500 tons have already been exported to Russia—making a significant contribution to local employment and production growth in the region.

With all required licenses and veterinary certifications in place, Ghezal Protein Gamasyab Nahavand is now fully authorized to produce and export various forms of rainbow trout and salmon, including whole, gutted frozen, and cleaned fillet products in multiple sizes. The company also holds a commercial IR export code, enabling it to export to countries such as Russia, Azerbaijan, and Armenia.

Zamanian highlighted that the company was recognized as the national first-rank entity in the field of fisheries processing industries and played a prominent role in the Nahavand Fisheries Festival, where Nahavand was named the non-coastal aquaculture hub of Iran.

During an inspection visit to the company, the Director General of the Provincial Veterinary Organization, accompanied by technical experts, noted that Nahavand has significant potential for fisheries investment. He expressed the organization’s readiness to expand cooperation for export licensing and support aquaculture investors.

Mr. Naqipour, after visiting various parts of the company’s second-phase facilities, emphasized that one of the key goals of the Veterinary Organization is to provide comprehensive support to producers by issuing technical and health permits in the shortest possible time. He stressed the importance of strict oversight over production, distribution, storage, and transportation in full compliance with veterinary health regulations.

He concluded that the development of fisheries in Nahavand, despite being a non-coastal city, can not only meet domestic demand but also generate foreign exchange revenues through exports, creating new employment opportunities and supporting economic growth for both the city and the country.