Tehran, Iran, Aug. 4
By Temkin Jafarov - Trend:
Iran is interested in establishing a joint high-tech park on the territory bordering with Azerbaijan, Mehdi Mohtashami, the head of the secretariat of the Azerbaijan-Iran intergovernmental commission for cooperation in trade, economic and humanitarian spheres, said in an exclusive interview with Trend.
"There is a chemical and industrial park for the production of petrochemical products in Sumgait," he said. "As you know, Iran is among the countries producing similar products. We are very interested in cooperation with Azerbaijan in the field of petrochemicals."
He said that another important issue is to establish joint markets on the Azerbaijani-Iranian border.
"It is a good action, especially for people living in the border area, as well as for the economic development of these cities," he said.
Mohtashami said that similar markets and free trade zones have been developed in the border regions of Iran.
"We are interested in joint investments in these areas too," he said. "Of course, the infrastructure must be also ready. The problems associated with freight transportation, railway and customs must be eliminated. After Azerbaijani Minister of Economy and Industry Shahin Mustafayev's expected visit to Tehran, I plan to visit Ardabil Province, inspect Bilasuvar and Aslanduz border checkpoints. Both countries must improve the situation in the customs and border checkpoints for the passengers and cargo transportation."
He said that moreover, Iran and Azerbaijan are negotiating over the protection of water resources in connection with the Khudaferin dam.
"A very important document is being prepared in connection with this dam," he said. "I hope that it will be ready soon. Azerbaijan and Iran have been negotiating for the last two or three years to make investments in renewable energy, particularly, wind energy. It is necessary to jointly work in the areas of health care, animal husbandry, agriculture and others to make mutual investments."
He also stressed the need to resume the Baku-Tabriz-Baku flight and open the Baku-Mashhad-Baku flight.
Edited by CN
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