TEHRAN, Iran, Jan.3
Trend:
Iran can improve its trade with Kazakhstan through joint cooperation and investments, head of Iran-Kazakhstan Chamber of Commerce from the Iranian side, Amir Abedi told Trend.
"Iran is locked by sanctions. Meanwhile, Kazakhstan's banking system is connected to the world, so Iranian companies should establish joint companies with Kazakhs, so we could do trade with foreign companies," he said.
"Iran has a money transferring problem due to sanctions, however currently the country's trade with the world is at $30.5 billion while Iran imports goods worth some $100 million via brokerage banks," he said.
Abedi said that currently Iranian companies are involved in projects in Kazakhstan's road and construction sector.
"We have strong rivals in Kazakhstan, including Turkey and China. One of our challenges is that we lack knowledge of Kazakhstan's market," Abedi said.
"Accelerating visa process with strong trade diplomacy is an important solution. Increase of direct flights and establishing flights from Golestan Province to Kazakhstan is another way since the Kazakh side has expressed readiness for direct flights," he said referring to Iran's solutions to increase trade with Kazakhstan.
Abedi also said that exchange visits of investors is another good option for strengthening business connections between the two countries.
"Holding annual exhibitions in order to showcase capacities of two countries and their companies would improve trade. For example Iran's shops at exhibitions at Almaty and Aktau have sold Iranian products," he added.
Speaking about Kazakhstan's investments in Iran, Abedi said that removing obstacles in transportation and encouraging investments would attract Kazakh investments in Incheh Borun and Chabahar railway projects.
"The Kazakh side is keen to invest in these two areas and Iran should prepare the conditions for it," he said.