TEHRAN - Iran will boost exports of food and health products to $3 billion in the current Iranian calendar year, which began on March 21, according to Iranian Deputy Industry, Mine and Trade Minister Mehdi Sadeqi Niaraki.

The country exported about 1.4 million tons of food products worth $2.3 billion in the past calendar year, showing 16 percent growth in weight and 10 percent rise in value, compared to its preceding year, the Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting (IRIB) quoted Niaraki as saying on Monday.

The official said Iran exported over 1.6 milling tons of foodstuffs, hygienic products and medicine worth about $2.7 billion in the past calendar year.

On April 25, Mojtaba Khosrotaj, the Iranian deputy industry, mining, and trade minister, said Iran has set a target of $77.5 billion in non-oil exports for the current Iranian calendar year.

Iran’s total non-oil exports hit $49.744 billion in the previous calendar year, showing 18.87 percent rise from $41.848 billion in its preceding year, according to the Iran Customs Administration. 

Traditionally, Iran relies heavily on oil for revenue. With sanctions restricting oil exports, the government has worked to advance other parts of the economy.
 
MA/M