Armenia demands boost to $3b in bilateral trade with Iran
The Armenian ambassador to Iran expressed regret that the economic relations between the two countries do not match the high level of their political ties, calling for the enhancement of trade level to three billion dollars through joint and active cooperation from both sides.
Grigor Hakobyan said in a meeting with Samad Hassanzadeh, the head of the Iran Chamber of Commerce, that relations with Tehran are a priority for the Armenian government, adding, “Developing bilateral relations in all economic, political, and cultural fields is of great importance to the government and people of Armenia.”
Expressing regret that the economic relations between the two countries do not correspond to the high level of their political relations, Hakobyan said, “We do not impose any limitations on deepening and developing relations. We need joint cooperation to first achieve the goal of one billion dollars and then aim for three billion dollars in the volume of bilateral trade; of course, this requires more active relations between the chambers of the two countries.”
The ambassador emphasized the importance of sending and receiving business delegations in developing relations between the two countries, saying, “There are many opportunities for investment and joint investments in Armenia, and the Embassy is ready for the necessary cooperation in this area to familiarize Iranian traders with these opportunities.”
Hakobyan said the private sector plays a decisive role in developing the economic relations of the two countries, adding that, “Together with the chambers of commerce of both countries, we must define common mechanisms to solve the issues and problems of trade between Iran and Armenia.”
Pointing to the importance of developing tourism between the two countries, the diplomat said, “Iran’s presence in Eurasia as an observer member and the initiation of free trade with the countries of the union is a good opportunity for developing cooperation. By making joint investments, we can export joint productions to the Eurasian region.”
Hassanzadeh, for his part, said Iran’s capacities for collaboration with Armenia are significant, and its pivotal position in Eurasia and the cultural and social ties between the two countries have made Armenia an important partner for Tehran.
“The Iran Chamber of Commerce is ready to take any action toward developing collaborations,” Hassanzadeh said. “We are interested in dispatching and hosting business delegations, and this year we have plans to send a delegation to Armenia.”
The chamber head stressed that Iran’s private sector is particularly ready to export technical and engineering services and participate in investment in Armenia’s civil engineering projects.
He also said the medical, therapeutic, and pharmaceutical fields are among other advantages that can serve as a core for good collaboration between the two countries.
“The private sector in Iran has good capabilities in the oil, gas, and petrochemical industries, automotive manufacturing, food industries, and building materials, and it can offer products that meet high global standards,” Hassanzadeh added.
Referring to Iran’s high capacities in tourism and health tourism, Hassanzadeh said, “In the tourism sector, we request more support from Armenia and facilitation of matters related to Iranian tourists by this country.”
He mentioned the Iran Expo 2025, scheduled to be held from April 28, and officially invited the Armenian ambassador to attend the exhibition, stressing, “This exhibition will showcase Iran’s production and export capabilities, and many ambassadors and business delegations from around the world will visit it.”