During a meeting with the visiting Korean delegation on Sunday, Iran’s Deputy Minister of Industry, Mine and Trade Valiollah Afkhami Rad said “Iranian economy is no more reliant on oil as the non-oil export reached a total volume of more than 60 billion dollars in the past Iranian year (ended March 20).”
“Accordingly, Koreans need to consider Iran as a goods production and export hub leading to long-term collaborations between the two sides,” he asserted.
The official touched upon the presence of Korean banks along with their major and prominent firms in Iran as an indication of them adopting a new viewpoint towards the country as they are after boosting economic ties with the safest state in the region.
“Moreover, Iran offers more opportunities and grounds for cooperation in comparison with other neighboring countries,” highlighted Afkhami Rad expressing optimism that numerous agreements will be inked in various sectors in view of sanctions removal and alleviation of barriers.
Deputy industry minister further noted “one street in Tehran has been named after the Korean Capital of Seoul as well as that Korean companies and automobiles are all-present in the Iranian capital revealing Iranians’ willingness to purchase Korean goods.”
“Therefore, the visit of the Korean trade delegation, which aims to back the South Korean presidents trip to Iran, can open in new chapter in bilateral economic ties between the two countries,” added the official.
“A South Korean president is visiting Iran after 40 years testifying the importance they attach to Iran,” emphasized Afkhami Rad reiterating “nevertheless, we expect Koreans to adopt a new point of view towards Iran by fostering joint cooperation; over the past two years, several delegations have travelled to Iran including giant European firms who have been trading with Iran using euro without any problems in terms of monetary transactions through banks.”
Head of Iran’s Trade Promotion Organization (TPO) went on to state “In recent years, Koreans have made significant technological advancements turning into a developed country; undoubtedly, their experience as how to reach such a position in economy can be an invaluable asset to Iran.”
“Indeed, Iran has also made eye-catching headway in various areas despite war, sanctions and foreign pressures,” stressed deputy industry minister commenting, “The incumbent government has made efforts to lift sanctions improving relations with the world.”
Also at the meeting, CEO of KOTRA (Korea Trade Promotion Corporation initially, Korea Trade-Investment Promotion Agency) Jaehong Kim voiced his country’s readiness to share technology and know-how in various fields with Iran within the framework of joint cooperation; “the cancelation of international sanctions has provided the possibility to reinvigorate Tehran-Seoul ties which had dropped to 100 million dollars,” he added.
Jaehong Kim said, “Iran has always been a good partner for us and the South Korean president together with her accompanying delegation are making the visit to express eagerness of bolstering relations with Tehran.”
The Korean official concluded his remarks by expressing hope that the visit will have fruitful outcomes for both parties.
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