International Journal of Resistive Economics

International Journal of Resistive Economics

Modeling Export Marketing in the Arvand Free Trade Zone: Challenges and Strategies

Document Type : Original Article

Authors
1 Hani Sharifat, PhD student, Department of Business Administration, ShQ.C.,Islamic Azad University, Shahr-e Qods, Iran.
2 Department of Business Management, ShQ.C.,Islamic Azad University, Shahr-e Qods, Iran
3 Department of Business Management, ShQ.C.,Islamic Azad University, Shahr-e Qods, Iran.
10.22034/oajre.2026.579839.1207
Abstract
This study was conducted with the objective of designing an export marketing model for the Arvand Free Trade Zone. In the qualitative phase, data were collected through purposive sampling involving 25 marketing professors, managers of the Arvand Free Zone Organization, customs experts, and experienced exporters and importers, continuing until theoretical saturation was achieved. Data analysis was performed in three stages: open coding, axial coding, and selective coding. The research findings indicated that the Arvand export marketing model comprises 39 core categories derived from the synthesis of approximately 150 initial concepts. This model is formulated based on causal conditions, including firm readiness and development, management development, networking, administrative-media management, market research and analysis, product introduction, target market identification, appropriate pricing, and marketing mix adaptation. It is realized through strategies such as export empowerment, governmental support, risk management, national economic diversification, tax incentives, and infrastructure development. Furthermore, challenges such as a lack of cultural awareness, currency exchange rate fluctuations, inadequate logistics infrastructure, international sanctions, intense competition, and lack of awareness of regulations were identified as intervening conditions in the development of export marketing in the Arvand region. The results of this study provide an analytical framework that integrates managerial, environmental, marketing strategy, awareness and information, and regulatory factors in the development of export marketing within the Arvand Free Trade Zone.
Keywords


Articles in Press, Accepted Manuscript
Available Online from 22 June 2026

  • Receive Date 28 April 2026
  • Revise Date 10 June 2026
  • Accept Date 22 June 2026