Identifying the Key and Forward Sectors in Economic Development of East Azerbaijan Province

The aim of this paper is to identify the sectors having the most backward and forward linkage to the other economic sectors in East Azerbaijan. The research methodology is based on input-output, the backward and forward linkages and structural path analysis. the results represent that machinery, chemical products, rubber and plastic, and agriculture, horticulture and forestry sectors have the most important direct and indirect backward linkages, but the sectors like food products, wood products, furniture and paper and petroleum products have the most important direct and indirect forward linkages and the multiplier of these interactions have been analyzed with the path analysis approach and indirect paths of demand increase are differentiated from the direct paths of supply increase.