Speaking at a meeting with South Korean Minister of Trade, Industry and Energy Joo Hyunghwan in Tehran on Monday, Iran’s Minister of Road and Urban Development Abbas Akhundi noted the existence of numerous opportunities for boosting bilateral ties between the two countries asserting “undoubtedly, South Koreans have conducted research studies on Iran’s market while they need to accelerate efforts since many foreign companies are competing over the Iranian market.”
“In my previous visit to South Korea, long-term relations between the two sides were highlighted and currently we are seeking knowledge transfer to Iran,” underlined Akhundi.
Road minister stressed the importance of project financing adding “nothing can be done without a defined financing model; establishment of joint companies would be a positive measure since we are after long-term ties and investment firms.”
Calling for the participation of the two sides in various industries, the official said “we keep an eye on the field of transportation including rail, seam air and road sectors as well as public affairs like construction of hospitals and stadiums.”
Akhundi also stressed the need to reach a common understanding over discussed issues commenting “some negotiations have been held with Italians over railroad transport while South Koreans can define a project in order to take part in the field.”
He voiced the country’s intention to optimize the rail route from Iran’s Bandar Abbas to Turkmenistan’s Sarakhs as one of the most important Rail freight corridors; “Iran is ready to provide willing countries with necessary information for conducting studies over the project.”
Referring to tourism industry, Iran’s Akhundi commented “South Korea is encouraged to introduce eager countries in the areas of tourism and hospitality.”
Iran’s road minister further stated that “talks are underway with the South Korean side on development of rail transport systems in major cities like Tehran and Mashhad.”
“A comprehensive Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) needs to be reached taking into account both administrative and financial aspects of development of Iran’s transportation system,” he concluded.
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