TEHRAN- According to the recent report of Italy’s National Institute for Statistics (Istat), Iran’s exports to the European country in the first seven months of 2016 increased 95 percent compared to the same time in the previous year, IRNA reported.

Iran’s exports to Italy stood at €523 million, nearly two-folded from €267 million in the same period in 2015. 

As reported, Iran’s exports to Italy in August 2016 surpassed imports from the European country for the first time during the recent years. 

Major Iranian products exported to Italy from January to July, 2016 included oil products, gas condensates, metal products, petrochemical products, stones, construction materials, pistachio, leather, and etc.

Iran welcomes Italy to be once again Iran’s number one trade partner in Europe seizing the post-sanctions opportunity, ISNA quoted Iranian President Hassan Rouhani as saying in September 2016.

Rouhani made the remarks in a meeting with Italian Prime Minister Matteo Renzi in New York on the sidelines of the 71st regular session of United Nations General Assembly at United Nations headquarters.

Italy's prime minister for his part emphasized his country’s eagerness to strengthen ties with Tehran, saying “We welcome any action toward reinforcing economic ties.”

Earlier in July 2016, a 150-member trade delegation, comprised of senior officials and economic activists in various fields from the Italian province of Marche visited Tehran to confer on development of commercial ties with Iranian officials.

HJ/MA