TEHRAN – Iran and Slovenia discussed ways to launch long-term joint ventures, expanding bilateral cooperation in a wide range of areas, especially in electric power, oil, and gas industries.

Heading a 46-strong business delegation, Slovenian Economy Minister Zdravko Pocivalsek travelled to Iran on Sunday for a three-day official visit to Tehran where he met high-ranking Iranian officials.

During his stay, Pocivalsek held talks with Iranian Energy Minister Hamid Chitchian, Industry, Mining, and Trade Minister Mohammad Reza Ne’matzadeh, and Deputy Oil Minister for Commerce and International Affairs Amir Hossein Zamaninia.

In his meeting with Pocivalsek, Chitchian invited Slovenian firms to build economic partnership with Iranian companies and finance Iran’s domestic projects, especially in the field of water and electricity, the IRNA news agency reported.

Chitchian said with generating 74,000 megawatts (MW) of electricity, Iran could raise its output to 50,000 MW in ten years, making the country a great partner for trading electricity with.

During the meeting, the two sides inked a memorandum of understanding to expand cooperation in energy and electricity sectors.

Pocivalsek, for his part, said signing this MOU would pave the way for the establishment of a joint economic commission between the two countries.

He mentioned energy, hydromechanics, provision of drinking water and building automation systems as some of the areas appropriate for the expansion of Iran-Slovenia economic ties.

Pocivalsek also expressed hope that after lifting of sanctions, the trade volume between the two countries rise to €60 million from the current €22 million.

In a separate meeting with the Slovenian economy minister, Ne’matzadeh called for long-term co-investment with Slovenian companies, noting that the trade between the two sides would be facilitated once Slovenia’s embassy in Iran reopen, the Shata news agency reported.

Pocivalsek referred to the 46 representatives of Slovenian companies who accompanied him, saying, “Our delegation is set to enhance trade with you in variable areas, including industrial, commercial and mineral fields.”

According to Pocivalsek, telecommunications, civil engineering, transportation, car making and tourism are also among the interest fields of two countries in furthering collaboration.

He also expressed hope that the Iranian and Slovenian banks initiate mutual trade in the near future.

During their trip, four major Slovenian companies opened office in Tehran, among which there is a petroleum and gas company, Mehr news agency quoted Zamaninia as saying after his visit with Slovenian economy minister.

Zamaninia said Slovenia is keen to increase its petrochemical imports from Iran.

According to the official, Iran, on the other hand, called for close bilateral ties in terms of transferring technology and offering technical and engineering services. 

Zamaninia added Iran seeks to exchange technical knowledge with Slovenia in oil and gas pipe making technology and other related techniques and machineries for transferring petroleum.

SJ/