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.