Iran targets $3b in annual trade with Africa: Official
The Iranian government aims to reach a minimum of $3 billion in annual trade with Africa by 2025, said an Iranian official.
Alireza Peyman-Pak, the deputy minister of Agriculture, made the remarks in an interview with the Iran Economy newspaper, which was published on Saturday.
He pointed to the recent visit of Iranian President Ebrahim Raeisi to Kenya, Uganda, and Zimbabwe and said the visit to Africa will have a positive impact on bilateral relations, especially in economic fields.
Peyman-Pak, who is the former head of the Trade Promotion Organization, noted that under previous governments, Iran’s annual trade with Africa was less than $500 million, but the current administration has successfully increased it to $1.2 billion.
President Raeisi’s recent visit to Kenya, Uganda, and Zimbabwe marks the beginning of a new phase of economic and trade cooperation between Iran and Africa, the official said.
The potential for collaboration in various sectors — particularly in petrochemicals, construction, healthcare, tourism, raw materials, and agricultural products — provides opportunities for the Iranian private sector to benefit from Africa’s resources and contribute to Iran’s economic growth, he noted.
Peyman-Pak noted that agriculture was a main topic during the president’s visit to Uganda due to the African country’s abundant water resources.
By utilizing Uganda’s capacity for extra-territorial cultivation, Iran can import agricultural products more efficiently and at better prices, thereby ensuring food security, he said.