TEHRAN- Iran and Australia emphasized on the expansion of cooperation between the two countries in non-sanctions fields during a meeting held at the place of Iran Chamber of Commerce, Industries, Mines and Agriculture (ICCIMA).

The two sides also put emphasis on facilitating the issuance of business visas with the recommendations of the ICCIMA and Iran-Australia Joint Chamber of Commerce.

Addressing the meeting, the director of the Asia and Pacific Office of the ICCIMA’s International Department said: “We should try to increase cooperation in non-sanctioned areas and introduce more opportunities to the businessmen of the two countries through the synergy of the Australian Embassy in Iran and the joint chamber of the two countries.”

Nilofar Asadi continued that industry, mining, agriculture, food and water management and water productivity are among the areas of non-sanctioned cooperation in which the two countries can develop their cooperation.

Hamidreza Manaqebi, the chairman of Iran-Australia Joint Chamber of Commerce, for his part stated that Iran's economy is the second economy in the West Asia region and continued that Iran is not only a major producer of oil and gas, but also excels in sectors such as mining, agriculture, pharmaceuticals and petrochemicals, emphasizing that Iran's oil and gas is an attractive sector for foreign investment, and Australian companies can participate in exploration, production and processing, after the sanctions are lifted.

He mentioned agriculture and water as another good area for joint investments between the two countries and added: Iran has rich minerals in the mining sector and can provide Australian companies with good opportunities in the field of exploration, extraction and processing of mines.

According to him, information technology and education, software development, health and treatment, care for the elderly, pharmaceuticals, medical equipment, historical attractions, tourism industry, hotel construction and construction industry are other suitable fields for joint cooperation.

MA