Strategic Consulting for Sino-Iran Saffron Trade under the Belt and Road Initiative: Challenges and Opportunities
Keywords:
Challenges and Opportunities, Strategic Consulting, International Sino-Iran Trading Companies, Inter-business Management, Cross-cultural Collaboration, Belt and Road InitiativeAbstract
The Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) is a global development strategy that has strengthened economic cooperation between China and Iran. This study examines how Sino-Iran saffron trading companies can leverage strategic consulting services to address BRI-related challenges and capitalize on opportunities through optimized interfirm management and highly effective cross-cultural communication.Focusing on 24 managers from 12 saffron trading companies (including exporters, importers, wholesalers and retailers) selected through purposive sampling, this study employs semi-structured interviews and thematic analysis to investigate trade barriers and BRI opportunities. The study emphasizes the need for tailored consulting solutions to enhance sustainable cross-border trade, based on a qualitative case study analysis. Findings reveal that saffron trading companies are primarily facing with challenges such as policy and compliance barriers, cultural and cognitive gaps, and technological and resource constraints. Furthermore, BRI brings opportunities such as policy synergy and support, technological innovation and integration, and health and cultural consumption upgrades.The demand for strategic consulting primarily lies in compliance adaptation, market entry, and supply chain optimization. Based on the research questions, the findings were applied to develop general guidelines for trading companies. It provides insights into strategic management for Sino-Iran saffron trade and practical recommendations for leveraging consulting services to foster long-term growth.
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