Azernews.Az

By Sara Rajabova

Iran and Azerbaijan need to take steps to remove barriers and boost mutual trade relations.

Vice president for international affairs at Tehran's Chamber of Commerce, Industries, Mines and Agriculture Mohammad Reza Bakhtiari made the remark in an interview with Trend Agency.

Commenting on the results of the latest visit of Iranian trade delegation to Baku, Bakhtiari said that the visit was a success.

A large delegation of Iranian entrepreneurs headed by the chairman of Tehran Chamber of Commerce, Industries, Mines and Agriculture Yahya Ale Es'haq visited Baku on December 16, 2013.

The delegation included representatives from Iranian companies active in production of various equipment and materials.

"Some Iranian companies signed agreements with their Azerbaijani counterparts during the visit," Bakhtiari said, adding that contacts between these companies continue.

"The future of the trade relations between Iran and Azerbaijan is very positive. The two countries also have good political ties," he added.

He expressed hope that bilateral relations in technical, service and economic areas will continue to grow.

"The Iranian side is ready to resolve any possible problems," he underlined.

"We hope that the officials of the two countries facilitate mutual economic relations and pay attention to resolving problems on the issue," Bakhtiari said.

The State Customs Committee of Azerbaijan reports that the trade turnover between the two countries in 2013 amounted to $281.03 million, which is 6.13 percent higher than 2012's figure of $263.785. Iran imported $73.347 million worth of goods from Azerbaijan in 2013, while the country's exports to Azerbaijan accounted for $207.683 million of the mentioned figure.

Iran Customs Administration's latest report reads that the country's trade turnover with Azerbaijan stood at $470 million ($448 million exports and $22 million imports) in the first eleven months of 2013.

Statistics of the Iran Customs Administration are based on official exchange rate of rial/USD which is different from the free market rate.

The U.S. dollar was sold at the price of 29,500 rials on the free market on Feb. 5, while the official price of the USD stood at 24,870 rials.