BSN Network / Mumbai
Monday, February 22, 2010

"Kermanshah region of Iran is the oldest industrial growth centre in the area of petroleum, petrochemicals, dairy products, construction material, agro food, logistics and export business to the tune of US$ 3bn. from this region besides imports of rice, tea, food products to Iran and Europe", said Mr. Darioush Panahi, Foreign Commercial Officer of Kermanshah Province Commerce Organisation while addressing an Interactive Meeting organized by the All India Association of Industries (AIAI) and World Trade Centre, Mumbai.

Mr. Panahi said Iran presently imports from India tea, rice, pulses, machine tools, gems & jewellery, textiles, PVC pipes. Iran would like double the exports in 3 years and hence the visit of the trade delegation.

Mr. Panahi said Iran's economy is heavily dependant on oil and petroleum products and Iran continues to be an important source of crude oil for India. Recent diplomatic exchanges between India and Iran have further consolidated the economic ties between the two countries. In recent years, the two sides reviewed the entire gamut of bilateral relations and expressed their commitment to further developing their mutual co-operation.

Mr. Panahi further added that a strong and surging Indian economy is well poised to be an effective and meaningful economic partner of Iran. India can assist Iran in building a strong economic infrastructure by providing technical assistance in diverse spheres. There are excellent opportunities for collaboration in the oil and gas sector and the visit of a high level delegation of Indian oil and gas experts from India in recent times is a reaffirmation of the mutual interest in the fields of energy including oil and gas.

Mr. Vijay Kalantri, President, All India Association of Industries (AIAI) said that India is consistent as far as quality is concerned. Where export is concerned we would like to further increase business which is US$ 15 bn. today to double by increasing direct business with Iran rather than doing business through various other countries.

Mr. Kalantri further said we feel the areas of co-operation could be pharmaceuticals, petro and petrochemical products, agro food, engineering textiles, leather, tea, rice and logistics which has great potential.

The High Level delegation expressed their desire and eagerness to do business with India. AIAI signed Memorandum of Understanding with Kermanshah Chamber of Commerce, Industries & Mines and Foreign Commercial of Kermanshah Province of Commerce Organisation for promotion of trade.

Mr. J.P. Ghate, Director, World Trade Centre, Mumbai proposed the vote of thanks.