Baku, Tehran keen to address customs differences
By Nigar Abbasova
Azerbaijan and the Islamic Republic of Iran, the two countries with a long history of bilateral ties and cooperation, are keen to strengthen economic ties and eliminate existing hindrances.
Iran's former ambassador to Azerbaijan Mohsen Pak Aayeen told the Tehran Times that the two countries enjoy affinities in terms of religion, history, culture and linguistics. However, there are still disagreements to address, while one of the main concerns is the difference in customs procedures.
“We have differences rather than challenges over customs issues, and it is important to solve them since any delay may lead to the deceleration of trade between the two countries,” he said.
He added that the differences are not related to the two countries themselves, but to different standards defined by major international organizations.
“Azerbaijan sees itself as part of the European zone and has to meet relevant standards, while Iran is a member of the Economic Cooperation Organization, which follows different standard sets,” he clarified. He underlined that narrowing disagreements on customs issues will provide an impetus for stronger future cooperation between the countries.
Iran and Azerbaijan have had diplomatic relations since 1918. Iran recognized Azerbaijan's independence in 1991, and diplomatic relations between the two countries were established in 1992.
The two countries enjoy good conditions for improving economic and trade relations, while senior officials representing the sides have repeatedly shown determination to strengthen economic ties.
Iran has so far invested some $2.6 million in Azerbaijan, with some $145 million accounting for non-oil sector, according to Tehran Times. Nearly 450 companies with Iranian capital are currently operating in Azerbaijan.
The trade turnover between the countries amounted to $137.65 million in January-September 2016, while $34.91 million of the sum fell to a share of the export of Azerbaijani goods to Iran. Azerbaijan's exports to Iran almost doubled to $14.4 million in the first quarter of 2016, while imports increased from $19.4 million in 2015 to $27 million in 2016.
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Nigar Abbasova is AzerNews’ staff journalist, follow her on Twitter: @nigyar_abbasova
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