Armenia and Iran discussed opportunities of cooperation of two free economic zones

ArmInfo. Armenian Economic  Development and Investment Minister Suren Karayan on August 16  received Iranian delegation led by the adviser of the President of  Iran, by the secretary of Coordinating Council of Free and Special  Economic Zones by Kabar Tarkan.

According to the department's press service message, expressing  gratitude for the visit, Armenian Minister expressed hope he will  further strengthen the friendly relations between Armenia and Iran.  "I attach special importance to the development of the  Armenian-Iranian economic relations, and today with great pleasure I  will discuss with you the possibilities of maximizing the available  potential," Suren Karayan said. 

Akbar Tarkan, in turn, expressing gratitude for the warm welcome,  stressed that the Iranian delegation intends to get acquainted with  the long-term programs aimed at the development of Armenia, to  discuss economic cooperation between the two states.

Suren Karayan, pointing to international experience, stressed that  active interaction between free economic zones, in this case between  the FEZ created in Meghri and the Iranian border free economic zone  "Araz", can become a moving force for successful economic  development. According to the minister, both zones can become the  basis for a general program for the development of regions in  southern Armenia and northern Iran. Suren Karayan noted that  businessmen of several states and officials showed interest in a  dialogue on this issue.

According to the parties' conviction, it is necessary to develop the  most approximate cooperation mechanisms so that FEZ on both sides of  the border are not competitors but partners. During the meeting, the  heads of the FEZ were instructed to formulate clear proposals on this  issue. The Armenian minister also stressed that the interaction of  the two FEZ will also contribute to the development of tourism.

According to Akbar Torkan, simplification of the visa regime between  the two states has become a serious help for the development of  tourism. "I myself witnessed the presence of numerous Iranian  tourists in Yerevan, and this is encouraging, and in this direction  we can receive serious dividends." Cooperation in tourism also leads  to deepening cooperation in other sectors, " Akbar Torkan said. 

During the meeting, the sides discussed the prospects for creating  joint industrial enterprises, as well as the opportunities for  Iranian commodity producers to enter the markets of the countries of  the Eurasian Economic Union and other countries, as well as the  transport corridor towards the Black Sea.