TEHRAN – Iran’s exports to Africa doubled in the first five months of the current Iranian year (March 21-August 22) compared with the same period last year, while imports from the continent declined, the head of the Africa office at the Trade Promotion Organization (TPO) said.

Mohammadreza Safari, acting head of the TPO’s Africa office, said encouraging producers in Iranian provinces with comparative advantages to expand their presence and establish joint ventures in African countries could significantly boost foreign currency earnings.

He added that African nations are seeking mechanization and industrialization in agriculture, an area where Iranian firms have the expertise to contribute.

“To this end, the Africa taskforce supports joint production projects in Africa and has provided the necessary tools to facilitate Iranian companies’ participation,” Safari said.

EF/MA