During the conference hosted by Tehran Chamber of Commerce, Industries, Mines and Agriculture, some 50 economic activists from 20 companies of Steiermark discussed opportunities of cooperation with their Iranian counterparts.

Steiermark is one of the nine Austrian states which is home to big industries engaged in the fields of technology and innovation, transportation, auto parts, environment and water economy, plastic and paper.

Head of Tehran Chamber of Commerce, Industries, Mines and Agriculture Masoud Khansari told the conference that the entity is ready to take serious steps in line with promoting ties with Austria.

Referring to ancient bilateral ties, he said that following the implementation of Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), Iran is seeking to maintain economic ties and establish new and long-term relations.

Putting the volume of Iran-Austria commercial exchanges at $218 million in 2014, the lowest in the past years, he blamed sanctions for the decline in mutual trade.

Iran has close ties with the market of 300 million people of neighboring states and the Austrian companies can use the broad market in their cooperation with Iranian enterprises.

Steiermark ‘s Minister of Economy, Tourism and Culture Christian Buchmann also told the same conference that presence of the two countries’ merchants in the event indicates both sides’ interest to promote economic relations and commercial exchanges.