TEHRAN – The Japanese ambassador to Tehran visited Iran Khodro Company, the giant Iranian carmaker, and stated that his country’s businessmen are interested in cooperating with the industries in the Islamic Republic.

Kimichi Komano said Japanese entrepreneurs are keen to work with Iranian automakers, and added, ”The Japanese embassy pays special interest in developing this cooperation.”
“Iran has high potential in the field of car manufacturing and for this reason it attracts automakers from all countries, including Japan,” he said.
The top Japanese diplomat in Iran underlined the economic sanctions imposed on the Islamic Republic and stated that the restrictions do not apply to the auto industry.
“The auto industry plays a strategic role in world economy and must not be included in the sanctions,” he reiterated.
It is noteworthy that IKCO signed a contract with Japan’s Suzuki Motor Cooperation in 2005 and commenced producing Suzuki Grand Vitara in Iran in 2007. Recently the two companies have signed more contracts for producing other Suzuki models in the Islamic Republic