Detente Policy Has Promoted Non-Oil Exports: Official
Addressing a group of Iranian businessmen in Azerbaijan, Khosrotaj said the rate for major foreign currencies have been relatively stable in the past four years in Iran which has led to more presence of Iranian goods in the world markets.
Khosrotaj who is also president of export promotion center of Iran said unnecessary regulations have been reduced in recent years which has had positive effects on Iran's foreign trade.
He added with cooperation between the government and the Parliament, non-oil exports have been on the rise and favorable opportunities have been created for foreign investment.
Khosrotaj said the establishment of associations of Iranian businessmen in some Asian and Middle Eastern countries is a useful measure which can contribute to the promotion of exports.
He called for improvement of the quality of Iranian goods and stressed that otherwise, Iran would not be able to compete in international markets.
Also, Iran's deputy commerce minister said here Thursday that Azerbaijan and Turkmenistan play a fundamental role in commercial ties between Iran and the former Soviet republics.
Khosrotaj in an interview with reporters stressed the need for Iranian traders' investment in Azerbaijan and joint implementation of projects.
He said oil, gas and chemical industries, construction building, sea creatures' farming, and the technical and engineering services are good grounds, wherein Iran can make investments in Azerbaijan.
He added that the Persian Gulf and the Caspian Sea littoral states should compile strategies for mutual economic cooperation, set special conditions and suitable tariffs.
He stressed that Iran is ready to offer short-term financial facilities for development of Azerbaijan.
To meet the issue, he added, Iranian and Azeri banking and insurance officials should hold talks in order to prepare facilities for the two countries' traders and businessmen.
Khosrotaj said that Iran and Azerbaijan exchanged $80 million goods last year. Value of Iran's exported goods to Azerbaijan stood at $70 million, and that of its imports from the country at $10 million.
Khosrotaj has arrived in Baku Wednesday morning heading an economic and parliamentary delegation.