ArmInfo.Yerevan hosted an Armenian-Iranian business forum, which was attended by representatives of the business segment and the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of East Azerbaijan Province of the Islamic Republic of Iran (IRI), headed by its governor. The Iranian business delegation was represented by entrepreneurs operating in the food industry, dairy production, footwear, building materials, carpet weaving, etc.
As Deputy Minister of Economy of Armenia Armen Arzumanyan told journalists on the sidelines of the forum, the business delegation of the region arrived in Armenia at the invitation of Minister Vahan Kerobyan. Stressing that the event is held to stimulate Iranian investments, search for new markets for Armenian producers, the Deputy Minister emphasized the importance of increasing the representation of the latter in Iran, which is a historically important market for Armenia. In this regard, he said that the Ministry of Economy plans to create an ecosystem to support the export of Armenian products to the Iranian market.
"The trade turnover between Armenia and Iran is growing steadily every year, but we expect more intensive growth, for which the Ministry of Economy is trying to create all the necessary prerequisites," Arzumanyan said, noting that there are numerous areas for expanding the scope of bilateral cooperation.
Zeinolabedin Khorram, Governor of East Azerbaijan Province of Iran, noted that the main purpose of his visit to Armenia is to increase the volume of exports to Armenia. Noting that there are certain problems in the customs area, the head of the province attached importance to resolving these issues in order to carry out unhindered trade. In addition, he announced plans regarding the construction of industrial and high-tech parks in Armenia.
Ambassador of the Islamic Republic of Iran to Armenia, Abbas Badakhshan Zohouri, noted that the province may be of interest to the Armenian business for its construction raw materials, energy and transport sectors, agriculture, and agro-industry. According to him, the province of East Azerbaijan of Iran is one of the strongest regions of Iran in the context of economic potential.
It should be noted that according to the RA Statistical Committee, the foreign trade turnover between Armenia and Iran in January-June 2022 increased by 37.3%, providing a volume of $307.7 million. At the same time, exports increased by 75.9% to $57.9 million, with an increase in imports by 30.6% to $249.8 million. Iran ranks 3rd among Armenia's trade partner countries.
