::IMC::

Iran’s Kermanshah Province Aims to Boost Trade Ties with India
Date: 17-Feb-2010

A 29-member trade delegation from the Kermanshah province of Iran visited IMC for a one-on-one interaction with its members on February 16 for promoting trade and business collaboration in India.

The delegation, which was led by Mr. Darioush Panahi, Foreign commercial of Kermanshah province commerce organization represented trade in various goods and commodity sectors. Iran’s Consul-general Mr Ali Mohammadi, accompanied the delegation. Mr Mark Fernandes, Chairman, IMC’s Shipping & Aviation Committee, welcomed the distinguished visitors.

Mr Darioush Panahi said that Iran and India had close economic, cultural and trade relations. Numerous Indians lived in Iran and also a large number of Iranians either worked or studied in India. His business mission was exploring the potential scope for further expanding bilateral relations with India.

Kermanshah province had about 1.5% of Iran’s total landmass, and 3% of its population. It had well developed industries such as mines, natural gas, petrochemicals, metals, stones, limestone and bitumen, backed by plentiful supply of technical and engineering skills. The province produced four million tonnes of agricultural produce; and of this chick peas accounted for 2.5 million tonnes.

Mr Ali Modammadi said Iran and India were also frequently exchanging many trade delegations. He said: "Iran’s total exports in 2008 was valued at about $17 billion. Of this, exports to India alone was $ 3 billion. It exported 500,000 tonnes of petrochem products to India last year and imported many commodities like rice, wheat, oilseeds, tea and textiles from India".

Mr Mark Fernandes said that in recent years, bilateral trade between India and Iran expanded vastly. "The two countries must look proactively at what they can supply to each other aimed at reducing their dependence on supplies from developed countries,” he added.

Arvind Pradhan
Director General