Iran-Netherlands Chamber
Amsterdam 4th largest EU exporter to Tehran, 8th destination for Iranian goods
By Sadeq Dehqan
Staff writer
The Netherlands ranks as the fourth-largest exporter of goods to Iran among European countries and the eighth-largest destination for Iranian exports to Europe, according to a senior official of the Iran-Netherlands Joint Chamber of Commerce.
Majid Haji Ahmadi, vice chairman of the board of directors of the Iran-Netherlands Joint Chamber of Commerce, highlighted the significant potential for expanding trade cooperation between Iran and the Netherlands, emphasizing that the country holds the position of the fourth-largest exporter to Iran among European nations.
Speaking to Iran Daily, Haji Ahmadi further noted that the Netherlands also ranks eighth in receiving the highest volume of Iranian exports to European countries.
Referring to the position of the Netherlands in the European economy, he explained, the Netherlands is one of the important countries in the European Union, from which one can benefit from the country's industrial technologies in various fields and export Iranian goods to other European countries through the country.
Haji Ahmadi recalled that in previous years, before sanctions impeded economic exchanges between Iran and European countries, the volume of bilateral trade was substantial. Iran and the Netherlands, he noted, maintained strong cooperation and exchanges in mineral production, oil, and gas industries.
He added that should relations between Iran and European countries become facilitated and positive steps be taken toward lifting sanctions, Iran-Netherlands trade volume would grow rapidly due to the two sides' extensive history of cooperation in oil, gas, and energy.
Historically, most members of the Joint Chamber focused on oil and gas, but sanctions have obstructed commercial and economic activities in these fields for several years. The sanctions and resultant monetary and banking complications have disrupted payment processes and currency transfers between the two countries, negatively impacting bilateral trade.
The vice chairman said that both countries possess significant attractions and capacities in the tourism industry, which could enhance cooperation and increase revenue generation for both nations.
Haji Ahmadi stated that like tourism, the agricultural sector is not directly affected by Western sanctions against Iran. Consequently, trade cooperation between the two countries is currently concentrated in agriculture. Items such as seeds, flower bulbs, botanical pesticides, and food ingredients/additives are exported from the Netherlands to Iran. In return, Iran exports agricultural products to the Netherlands, including fruits and vegetables such as dates, pistachios, saffron, apples, and citrus fruits, as well as animal products like meat and dairy derivatives, plus dried fruits. He noted, however, that the volume of these exports has decreased significantly compared to the past due to sanctions-related issues.
Haji Ahmadi elaborated on the Netherlands' economic capacities for cooperation, explaining that the country holds strong positions in European agriculture and livestock/poultry farming, enabling it to meet part of Iran's demand for such products. Conversely, Iran can export large quantities of food products to the Netherlands.
Referring to the history of the Iran-Netherlands Chamber of Commerce, he underscored that the Iran-Netherlands Joint Chamber of Commerce was launched in 2003 to enhance trade and facilitate cooperation between the two nations' merchants.
Since then, it has undertaken numerous actions, including gathering Dutch trade information and disseminating it to members; inviting Dutch economic delegations; dispatching Iranian trade groups to the Netherlands; organizing and participating in specialized joint exhibitions and seminars; assisting member merchants with visa procurement; and resolving potential disputes between traders from both countries.