Nournews: The modern world now stands at a point where economic borders have almost lost their meaning. According to the latest World Bank report, several nations depend heavily on international trade not only for growth but even for survival. The key indicator of this dependence is the ratio of total exports and imports to Gross Domestic Product (GDP) — a measure that, the higher it is, the more deeply a country’s economy is integrated into global markets.
At the top of this list stands Hong Kong, with an astonishing trade-to-GDP ratio of 359% — meaning its foreign trade volume is more than three and a half times the size of its domestic production. It is followed by Singapore (322%) and Ireland (253%) — two small but agile economies that have become the beating hearts of global commerce thanks to their financial and technological infrastructure.
In the Persian Gulf region, the United Arab Emirates ranks fourth, with a ratio of 202%. Built on energy exports, logistics, and port services, the UAE has pursued a model of open, outward-looking economic growth. In East Asia, Vietnam stands at 165%, representing a new generation of export-driven emerging economies that have integrated themselves into global value chains through industrial production and foreign investment.
Across Europe, Belgium (158%), the Netherlands (156%), and Switzerland (134%) remain pillars of continental trade. Meanwhile, Malaysia and Thailand, both at 137%, are among Asia’s most open and regionally connected economies.
Amid these figures, Iran’s name appears with a ratio of around 40–50% in parallel economic reports — a number that reflects the country’s preference for a “resilient,” inward-oriented economic model over full dependency on foreign trade. Despite sanctions and international restrictions, Iran has managed to base much of its production on domestic resources, energy-driven industries, and regional markets. However, achieving sustainable growth in the future will require strengthening the share of strategic, technology-driven trade.
Ultimately, high dependence on global trade brings both opportunity and risk. While it can boost growth, employment, and technology transfer, it also makes economies highly vulnerable to geopolitical crises and supply chain shocks. The art of economic policymaking in today’s world lies in striking a smart balance between self-reliance and global engagement — the very balance that will shape the future of Iran’s economy.
NOURNEWS