TEHRAN Iran Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Mines (ICCIM) President Ali Naghi Khamoushi yesterday said that necessary ground exists for bilateral cooperation between the private sectors of Switzerland and Iran. But, said he, the Iranian economy is still relying on the public sector. There are plans which are underway for major role of private sector in Iran. Khamoushi was addressing a joint meeting of the delegates from the ICCIM and the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Switzerland here yesterday.

The joint meeting was held at the central office of the ICCIM to explore ways and means to promote trade and economic relations between the two countries. The Swiss delegation was headed by Nicolas Imboden. Swiss Ambassador Nicolas Imboden was also present on the occasion. Khamoushi said the economic experts of Iran have now arrived at a conclusion that the private sector should play a greater role in the economy of Iran. He said the imposed war and other international factors had left no option for the government of Iran than to tighten its grip on the national economy.

Iran is keen to have industrial cooperation with Switzerland and to make a beginning into this direction. Iran and Switzerland both should organize industrial exhibitions in each other's countries to make the businessmen and investors familiar with the industrial developments in these countries, Khamoushi said. Iran is also ready to provide all possible assistance to Switzerland to promote its trade with the landlocked Central Asian nations, Khamoushi said.