Details of the visit of the Minister of Economy of Armenia to Iran
Head of Trade Development Organization: Neighboring countries are our priority and we are looking to increase our export share to neighboring countries. Naturally, the Caucasus region is important to us, and we have worked on it, and we base our plans for 1400 on the development of relations with our neighbors as a principle to increase our exports to neighboring countries.
According to the International Iranian Stone Exhibition, Hamid Zadboom said about the visit of the Armenian Minister of Economy to Iran: "Considering that the development of relations is one of the current necessities of the two neighbors, and considering that Armenia is one of the Eurasian countries and we hold free trade talks." Starting with Eurasia in February, it was necessary to carry out activities between the two countries after a long time, which was done at the invitation of the Minister of Economy of Armenia.
Referring to the visit plans of the Armenian Minister of Economy, he clarified: he will visit several Iranian manufacturing factories, have a meeting with the Minister of Silence and a series of understandings will be made. Tomorrow they will travel to Isfahan and will meet with some of the country's officials.
The head of the Trade Development Organization also said about the statistics of exchanges between the two countries: "There are no exact statistics, but in the last quarter, our exchanges have grown well with Armenia and are in a good condition." Our trade with Armenia has been growing over the last ten years. Ten years ago, our trade volume was about $ 270 million to $ 280 million a year, but today it is about $ 400 million a year. Of course, this figure is not strange for the two neighboring countries.
"We are the fourth country to supply Armenian imports," he added. Previously, we were fifth or sixth, but now, after Russia, China and Germany, Iran is the fourth country from which Armenia imports since 2019. Both sides are interested in increasing these exchanges.
Referring to air and land exchanges between Iran and Armenia, the Deputy Minister of Industry said: "Fortunately, one of the countries with which our borders were open during the Corona is Armenia." Although the border was closed for a short time, it is now open and there is also a flight between Tehran and Yerevan.
He added: "We did not have any problems in the field of land exchanges." Armenia is the only country in Eurasia that shares a border with us, and this common border should be used as a gateway to Eurasia.
Regarding trade cooperation with the countries of the Caucasus, the head of the Trade Development Organization said: "Neighboring countries are our priority and we seek to increase our export share to neighboring countries." Naturally, the Caucasus region is important to us, and we have worked on it, and we base our plans for 1400 on the development of relations with our neighbors as a principle to increase our exports to neighboring countries.
Responding to the possibility of replacing Iran with Turkey during the embargo on Turkish goods in Armenia, Zadbum said: The words that are sometimes clumsily said in this regard can create diplomatic tension between countries. Armenia may not import Turkish goods for 6 months and we will supply the items needed by Armenia, but we will not necessarily be able to supply all the goods that Turkey exports to Armenia. Countries have exchanges that take place over time. We are not looking to replace Turkey, but we will do it if Armenia needs goods that we can supply. God willing, the trade relations between the neighbors will be friendly and fraternal.
He added: "We do not want the visit of Armenian officials to create political sensitivity in a situation where Azerbaijan is also our friend and neighbor. We just want to have good relations with our neighbors and be able to continue and expand our business relations with them. Two weeks ago, we had a joint commission with Azerbaijan, which was headed by the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Finance. Therefore, we seek that our trade relations with our neighbors be friendly, fraternal and based on respect for the right of neighborhood.
"Therefore, all our neighbors, including Armenia, are respected by us," he said. Armenia may need Iranian goods and joint economic cooperation, and we are ready to cooperate.
* ILNA
