TEHRAN - Iran's President Mohammad Khatami here on Thursday stated that expnasion of international trade would strengthen the production and management in the country thus leading to a more robust economy. Speaking at the session of the High Council for Promotion of Non-Oil Exports which focused on problems facing the export sector, Khatami added "any efforts to expand the exports serves the country's interests." "Expansion of international trade would tie Iran's interests to those of other countries," said Khatami adding that international trade would help consolidate the national security, IRNA reported.

The chief executive further highlighted the importance of exports in strentgthening the manufacturing sector, creating jobs and reducing reliance on oil which, he said, would in turn lead to a stronger political establishment and elevates country's prestige abroad. The council is set to discuss strategies for promotion of exports as well as the relevant structural reforms in its next session.