Armenia and Iran intend to expand cooperation in a number of economic  areas

ArmInfo.Armenia and Iran intend to expand cooperation in a number of economic areas. It became known about the achievement of such an agreement following the  meeting of Minister of Economy of Armenia Vahan Kerobyan  andAmbassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Islamic  Republic of Iran (IRI) to the RA Abbas Badakhshan Zohouri .

According to the Ambassador, Iran has already developed a roadmap and  a schedule for the implementation of joint programs with the Armenian  side, which outlines the priorities. "Availability of the schedule  and roadmap will allow implementing the programs included in the  agenda of the Armenian-Iranian cooperation in a short time," the  Ambassador noted.

According to the source, during the meeting, the parties also  discussed issues on the agenda related to trade, industry (including  the chemical industry), pharmaceuticals, tourism and other areas,  including the implementation of promising programs, attracting  investments, efficient organization of exports and imports between  Armenia and Iran. 

Stressing the importance of cooperation in the pharmaceutical  industry, Vahan Kerobyan informed about the forthcoming visit of the  Armenian delegation to Iran represented by representatives of  pharmaceutical companies to discuss the possibilities of interaction  and reach agreements.

During the meeting, the parties noted that in case of effective  organization of bilateral cooperation, the volume of trade and  tourist flows between the two friendly countries will significantly  increase. In this regard, they stressed the importance of the  implementation of direct flights in the direction of Yerevan- Sepahan  (Isfahan).

The Ambassador proposed, together with the relevant Iranian body and  the Tourism Committee of Armenia, to form a working group that will  develop uniform travel packages to attract tourists from Europe.

The Ambassador also spoke about the interest of the Iranian side to  participate in the construction of the Sisian-Qajaran section within  the North-South transport corridor.

To note, according to the Statistical Committee, the foreign trade  turnover between Armenia and Iran in January-April amounted to $  136.5 million with aa y-o-y growth of 35.1%. At the same time,  exports decreased by 19.2% to $ 22.5 million, while imports showed an  increase of 55.7%, amounting to $ 114 million.