The Korea Institute for Economic Policy (KIEP) held a Visiting Scholar Seminar with Professor Mohammad Sharif Karimi from Monash University, Malaysia at the KIEP Conference Room in Sejong on December 21, 2023. Professor Mohammad Sharif Karimi participated in the KIEP Visiting Scholars Program for one month. The seminar was organized to share the results of his research activities during his visit with other researchers at KIEP. 

Professor Mohammad Sharif Karimi presented on "Examining Iran South Korea Trade Dynamics: Understanding the Impacts of Sanctions on Bilateral Trade Relations." He explained that despite the economic sanctions on Iran, trade between Korea and Iran remained constant, peaking at $12 billion in 2017. However, due to factors such as the U.S. withdrawal from agreements and the resumption of sanctions, trade hit a low of $183 million in 2021. He highlighted the shift in Iran's major exports from primarily oil, constituting over 96% in the past, to items like food and minerals post-sanctions. This decline in trade cooperation resulted in a decrease in the relative advantage of export goods between the two countries. Professor Karimi emphasized the need to continue exploring products with comparative advantages and seeking new collaborative opportunities to effectively sustain bilateral trade relations.

Various experts from KIEP, including Head Munsu Kang of the Africa and Middle East Team, Senior Researcher Kwangho Ryou of the Africa and Middle East Team, Senior Researcher Jun-Hyun Eom of the New Trade Strategy Team.