Talking to IRNA, Karegar reiterated that the US Congress halted the imports of Iranian carpet in 2010.

‘Before imposing of sanctions on Iran, the US markets were considered as the first exports hub of Iranian carpets.

Kargar reinterred that over four million tons of Iranian hand-woven carpets, worth $230 million, were exported during the 10 months of current Iranian calendar year, started March 21, 2015.

He described the figure as too meager, reiterating that imposing of sanctions against Iran and economic recession as the main reasons behind the decline of the exports of Iranian carpets.

Karegar said Europeans are also the enthusiastic buyers of Persian carpets.

He said that Persian hand-woven carpets in the past seven months of the current Iranian year (started on March 21) fetched more than 142 million dollars.

Karegar said based on statistics released by Iran Customs Administration, 2,620 tons of hand-woven carpets were exported to 80 countries in the past seven months.

Export of the Persian carpets amounted to $166 million, showing 14 percent growth compared to the figure in the preceding period.

The exported hand-woven carpets weighed more than 3,100 tons, showing 16 percent growth.

Moreover, the eight-month statistics showed more than 3,900 tons of hand-woven carpets, worth more than $202 million, were exported to more than 80 countries, showing increases of 24 and 12 percent in weight and value respectively compared to the figures in the same period in the year 1392 (2013-14).

Germany, Italy, Switzerland, and France in Europe, Lebanon, Qatar, the UAE and Kuwait in the Middle East and China and Japan in east of Asia are major buyers of Iranian hand-woven carpets in the seven-month period.

Iran National Carpet Center put the value of exports of Iranian hand-woven carpets at more than 330 million dollars the year before.

The TSE’s ongoing surge continued on Saturday as the TEPIX jumped 406 units , standing at 74,090 in the early morning hours.

In the wake of the imminent implementation of a recent nuclear deal between Tehran and world powers (known as the JCPOA), Iran’s main share index increased by 1344 units on Jan 16, 2016, setting a new record after 18 months of depression.

The recent gains in the Tehran Stock Exchange come against the backdrop of the upcoming announcement of JCPOA implementation, after which all nuclear-related anti-Iran sanctions will be terminated.

TSE opened in February 1967. During its first year of activity, only six companies were listed in TSE. Then Government bonds and certain State-baked certificate were traded in the market.

The Tehran Stock Exchange has come a long way. It has evolved into an exciting and growing marketplace where individual and institutional investor trade securities of over 420 companies.

TSE, which is a founding member of the Federation of Euro-Asian Stock Exchanges, is seen as one of the world’s best performing stock exchanges in the years 2002 through 2013.

IRNA reports in an interview with Mehdizadeh, who accompanied the Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif in London, that there is a huge interest on the side of the British entrepreneurs and the British government to renew and expand their commercial links with Iran. As such, during the upcoming months, we will be hosting various economic delegations from London.

‘The British Iranian Chamber of Commerce is intending to take a group of British entrepreneurs to Iran and during the past week the UK Export Credit Guarantee Department (ECGD) allocated 50 million pounds financial credit to British enterprises which is a direct result of London’s interest in expanding commercial links with Iran,’ stated Mehdizadeh.

‘In fact they are willing to increase this credit roof, however this amount was decided on the spot in order to provide an immediate framework where there would be no obstacles for the British companies to enter into commercial relations with Iran,’ he asserted.

The director of British Iranian Commerce Chamber further contended ‘there still remain issues to be resolved’ alluding to banking issues as the major concern of the British businessmen to establish commercial relations with Iran. ‘Many British financial institutions and banks are still worried about the initial terms of sanctions imposed by the US that are still in effect and these institutions have previously signed agreements with the United States to cooperate. England has had to endure the highest fines for having commercial relations with Iran in the past, and therefore is extremely cautious in renewing theses links,’ he argued.

These issues must be dealt with and the operating framework clearly determined so that the British banks could freely enter into relations with Iran having peace of mind. At this point, however, unfortunately their hands are tied. Other countries such as France, Italy and Germany have also had to pay fines for having relations with Iran, and the British companies are currently lobbying the British government to remove these obstacles and there is hope for a favorable outcome, added Mehdizadeh

The British Foreign Secretary Philip Hammond in his meeting with Mohammad Javad Zarif stated that his government is doing its best to remove banking obstacles with Iran as soon as possible. ‘We still have issues to overcome and as sanctions are being lifted, banks should also make clear their policies.’ He assured collaborating with his counterparts in States, France and Germany along with banking officials in Iran to remove such limitations, adding that he hopes that the banks could support the British entrepreneurs to invest in Iran.

The Iranian Foreign Minister in a meeting with George Ozborne the British Chancellor of Exchequer alluded to the implementation of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action and the role of Iran in fulfilling its commitment, requesting the removal of certain obstacles in the financial and banking relations between the two countries. Zarif confirmed his interest in renewing economic links with the UK, stating that Iran is more interested in attracting foreign investors than importing foreign goods.

According to the MoU, the financial facilities will be given to the projects that will be implemented in Iran with the participation of Japanese companies.

This is the second MoU signed between Iran and Japan in one day.

Earlier today, Iranian economy minister and Japan’s foreign minister in an official ceremony signed the Japan-Iran Investment Agreement.

Tayyebnia and Japan’s Foreign Minister Fumio Kishida signed the agreement which reiterates both governments’ agreement to support each other’s investments in the other country.

Addressing a ceremony, Foreign Minister Kishida referred to his recent visit of Iran at the top of an economic delegation in fall season, arguing: Ever since the implementation of the JCPOA a serious will to strengthen economic ties with Iran has emerged in Japan.

‘That is because Iran has high economic potentials and I hope this Japan-Iran Investment Agreement will lead to ever more strengthening of bilateral ties,’ he added.

The Iranian economy minister, too, referred to the positive background of Tehran-Tokyo relations, arguing: There are no black points in Iran-Japan relations and the two countries’ capabilities and potentials have paved the path for the smooth progress of our relations.

‘We are hopeful that the termination of the anti-Iranian sanctions has provided the ideal opportunity for expansion of relations to secure both nations’ interests,’ he said.

‘The agreement signed by the countries today can play an important role in that respect. In the past there were two agreements signed between Iran and Japan and this Japan-Iran Investment Agreement, the third between the two countries, is the first economic agreement between Iran and Japan ever since the establishment of the Islamic Republic of Iran,’ added Tayyebnia.

He said that all the rights of the Japanese investors in Iran will in accordance with this agreement be safeguarded by the Iranian government and even the non-commercial threats that might emerge against the foreign investors are covered in this agreement, adding that the same is true about the Iranian investors in Japan.

Tayyebnia on the sidelines of the meeting in the presence of the two countries’ private sector activists also focused on the perspective of Tehran-Tokyo relations in the post-sanctions era.

Kishida, too, said in the ceremony that in addition to economic cooperation, nuclear safety will be among axes the two countries’ future cooperation.

A preliminary agreement on the issue was reached between the sides in October 2015, during Kishida’s visit to Iran.
“Tonight, the investment agreement between Japan and Iran will be signed… I am very glad that it will be signed today,” Kishida said, reported sputniknews.com.
According to the diplomat, the deal will allow to expand the economic relations between the two countries and contribute to the implementation of agreements on the Iranian nuclear deal to promote peace and stability in the Middle East. The deal will be signed by the Kishida and Iranian Minister of Economy and Finance Ali Tayebnia in Tokyo.
The Japanese government decided to lift economic sanctions against Iran in January after the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) verified that Tehran was complying with the nuclear agreement reached last summer.
Iran and six world powers — the United States, Russia, China, France, Britain, and Germany — signed a nuclear deal in July 2015 to guarantee the peaceful nature of Iran’s nuclear program.
Earlier in January, Japan’s Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga announced that Tokyo seeks to develop cooperation with Iran in line with the removal of economic sanctions introduced by the UN Security Council.

Iran’s Minister of Economy and Treasure and Japan’s Foreign Minister Fumio Kishida signed the agreement which reiterates both governments’ agreement to support each other’s investments in the other country.
Foreign Minister Kishida in the ceremony on the occasion referred to his recent visit of Iran at the top of an economic delegation in fall season, arguing: Ever since the implementation of the JCPOA a serious will to strengthen economic ties with Iran has emerged in Japan.
‘That is because Iran has high economic potentials and I hope this Japan-Iran Investment Agreement will lead to ever more strengthening of bilateral ties,’ he added.
The Iranian economy minister, too, referred to the positive background of Tehran-Tokyo relations, arguing: There are no black points in Iran-Japan relations and the two countries’ capabilities and potentials have paved the path for the smooth progress of our relations.
‘We are hopeful that the termination of the anti-Iranian sanctions has provided the ideal opportunity for expansion of relations to secure both nations’ interests,’ he said.
‘The agreement signed by the countries today can play an important role in that respect. In the past there were two agreements signed between Iran and Japan and this Japan-Iran Investment Agreement, the third between the two countries, is the first economic agreement between Iran and Japan ever since the establishment of the Islamic Republic of Iran,’ added Ali Tayyebnia.
He said that all the rights of the Japanese investors in Iran will in accordance with this agreement be safeguarded by the Iranian government and even the non-commercial threats that might emerge against the foreign investors are covered in this agreement, adding that the same is true about the Iranian investors in Japan.
Tayyebnia on the sidelines of the meeting in the presence of the two countries’ private sector activists also focused on the perspective of Tehran-Tokyo relations in the post-sanctions era.
Kishida, too, said in the ceremony that in addition to economic cooperation, nuclear safety will be among axes the two countries’ future cooperation.

Speaking to reporters, Soltanifar said that Iran’s tourism offices will be launched soon in 40 countries.

A number of these offices will be launched in 15 neighboring countries, Soltanifar said.

Other Iranian tourism offices will be in the European, Asian and South Asian countries, as well as Canada, Australia and the US which are Iran’s target countries, he added.

Soltanifar said that Iran also intends to ease visa requirements for foreign tourists.

Iranian international airports have been obliged to issue 30-day airport visas for tourists from 190 countries, he said, adding that these visas can be extended for another 15 days, according to the official.

RBI is in “intensive talks” with Iranian banks as Tehran is rejoining the international banking system, its board member Peter Lennkh said in an interview with Austrian newspaper Wirtschaftsblatt.
‘We are already working on the preparations and want to offer our customers everything the sanctions relief allows,’ he said.
Lennkh said RBI had a very good deal of business in Iran before sanctions were imposed on the country in 2012 and “would like to be again the leading bank in the Iran business.’
International lenders are linking up, though slowly, with their Iranian counterparts using global transaction network SWIFT.
As of this week, Iran is able to use the worldwide transaction network which handles cash transfers and letters of credit between financial institutions.
Central bank officials have said banks from European countries including Germany, France, Britain and Italy, have been in talks to open branches after the lifting of sanctions.
Commerzbank has said it is reviewing its policy of not doing business in Iran.
‘US weapon’
Other major banks are cautious, however, seeking all the assurances they need to return to Iran. They are deterred by Washington’s heavy fining of some lenders in the past for doing business with Iran.
Thierry Coville, of the French Research Centre for International and Strategic Studies (Iris), said Washington is happy to let uncertainty persist.
‘It could be a US policy to say, ‘careful, it’s complicated’, so people don’t understand what’s going on and think they (the sanctions) remain in place,’ the AFP news agency quoted him as saying.
In 2014, the US imposed a record $8.9 billion fine on France’s BNP Paribas while German giant Deutsche Bank took a $258 million fine for doing business with Iran.
Coville lamented a ‘strategic mistake which is today being paid for’ to allow the US to place ‘direct pressure on the European banks’ when it comes to a return to Iran.
‘Politically, this is lamentable on the part of the Europeans. This is now a financial and geopolitical weapon that the United States won’t shirk from using again in other circumstances.’
European assurance
However, Europe’s rush for resurrecting trade with the global energy superpower sitting on the worlds’ biggest oil and gas reserves combined as well as massive mineral deposits is set to trump existing reservations.
Italy and France signed initial deals worth more than $40 billion in a variety of fields — from oil and gas to car manufacturing, construction, health and agriculture and clean energy development — last month during President Hassan Rouhani’s visit to Europe.
Major groups would need financial support to seal contracts and leading banks would inevitably move in to reopen their offices in Iran, according to Press TV.
Seeking to reassure, Paris last Tuesday unveiled an accord offering state guarantees to back French investments in Iran through credit management firm Coface in order to cover onsite non-payment risks.

The MOU was signed on Tuesday with the National Iranian Copper Industries Company (NICICO), according to Mohammad Esfandiar, the member of NICICO’s board of directors, the Tehran Times reported.
According to the MOU, MKM would help Iran develop its downstream industries to obtain copper from copper cathodes.
Furthermore, MKM offered to purchase an annual amount of 70,000 tons of produced copper cathodes from NICICO.
The German copper company suggested starting its purchase with procuring 10,000 tons of copper cathodes.
In October 2015, Iranian Deputy Industry, Mining, and Trade Minister Mehdi Karbasian said there is a high demand for foreign investment in Iran’s mining projects, so that many multinational companies have put in their investment requests.
Iran is believed to hold more than 7 percent of the world’s total mineral reserves. It ranks at the 10th place in terms of the variety of mineral resources. Key large deposits that still remain underdeveloped are zinc, copper, iron, uranium, and lead.

Amin told a press conference on Tuesday that in the post-JCPOA era, cooperation between Iranian and foreign insurance companies will be possible and any decision for distribution of risk will rest with the foreign parties.
He added that Iranian insurance bodies gained good experience during west’s unilateral sanctions against Iran and now in the post-JCPOA era, they can benefit from latest knowledge and experience of presence in international insurance markets and gaining international ranks.
‘Also, we can share opinion with foreign countries on making bigger risks suffered in the sanctions era which countered the logic of insurance.’
Referring to exchange of visits by delegations and envoys of various and major insurance bodies in the world, especially in Europe, to Iran, he said that European insurance offices are eager to be present in Iranian insurance industry and that European envoys have recently mulled ways of presence in the Iranian market despite bottlenecks.
He added that the companies have said they are ready to contribute to running big risks and they were briefed that conditions after removal of sanctions are totally different with the ones before them.
‘Iranian insurance offices have gained much experience in risk management and we expressed hope that relationships should not be one-sided and Iran will also be able to be present in international markets providing insurance services.’
‘Our experts need to undergo education on management of big risks and gain experience in such events as quake and tsunami as happened in Japan. To this end, many educational courses were held for insurance experts and more such courses will be held in partnership with the world’s distinguished insurance experts,’ Rouhani added.
As far as re-insurance services are concerned, he said, Iran is indeed in need of foreign insurance because Iran’s maximum insurance reserves range between 30,000 to 40,000 billion rials.
‘While the amount of damage in such big events as plane crash, flood and quake is at the level of billions of dollars and in the sanctions era, thanks God Almighty, no major damage was inflicted on the country,’ said the CBI head.