Iran and Italy decided to augment trade from the current level of seven billion dollars a year, Managing Director of the Islamic Republic of Iran International Fairs Joint Stock Company Hossein Esfahbodi said on Sunday.
He made the remarks on the sidelines of inauguration of the Second International Italy Exclusive Fair in Tehran.
Esfahbodi said Italy is major trade partner of Iran in Europe.
‘Some 146 commercial delegations from four corners of the world visited Iran this year and Italy with 380 delegates tops the list.’
President of Friuli-Venezia Giulia, Debora Serracchiani, who represents Italy in the Second International Exclusive Fair, said with accord signed between Iran and the G5+1 on July 14, the way will be paved for expansion of Iran-Italy relations.
Serracchiani said at a time when Europe is hit by an economic crisis, Italy has been able to export several billion euro goods thanks to its strong economy.
Meanwhile, Italian Ambassador to Tehran Mauro Conciatori said for his part that the exhibition is a symbol of mutual cooperation.
There were contacts in the first Italy exhibition which is hoped to lead to favorable cooperation, commented the Italian envoy.
‘We plan to expand our political and economic cooperation with Iran. With effective implementation of Iran nuclear accord, Tehran and Rome can develop strategic cooperation.’
On the upcoming visit of Iranian president to Italy, the Italian ambassador said that Iran-Italy cooperation will get further consolidated following visit of Iranian president to Italy.
‘Rouhani selected Italy as the first leg of his European visit, which is of high value for us. Rouhani’s visit to Italy was slated for November 2015 but it was postponed for certain reasons.’
Noting that a diplomatic and economic delegation will accompany president Rouhani, the Italian ambassador said.
Two weeks after Rouhani’s visit to Italy, a delegation comprising three Italian ministers and traders will travel to Iran and then the two countries can start wide-scale economic cooperation.
The First International Exclusive Fair was held at Tehran International Permanent Fair Ground in June 2014. Italy was among countries to maintain its relations with Iran during sanctions. Italy is one of Iran partners in Europe with annual trade stood at seven billion dollars.
In February a delegation, comprising Italian food and agricultural industries companies, led by Agricultural, Food and Forestry Policies Minister Maurizio Martina, will visit Iran.
