Azernews.Az

By Sara Rajabova

Iranian companies have recently expressed readiness to expand cooperation with country’s northern neighbor Azerbaijan.

An Iranian ship-making holding company Darya Bandar Nab Kish voiced willingness to conduct business with Azerbaijani counterparts.

“We have good relations with neighboring countries such as Turkey, Turkmenistan, and other countries. We also cooperate with East Asian and Western countries according to the imports and exports we have,” Amir Samavatian, coordination manager of Darya Bandar Nab Kish told Trend news agency.

He noted the company has recently done some business with State Oil Company of Azerbaijan Republic (SOCAR).

“Right now we are trying and we will be happy to have cooperation on structures, marine building, and oil rigs construction,” Samavatian said.

The shipping industry has a major part in Iran’s trade. Ninety percent of the country’s import and exports are carried by sea.

He further added that although sanctions on Iran have had some side effects on business, regarding fund transfer, the company has never stopped doing business with other countries.

Trade turnover between Iran and Azerbaijan reached $457.6 million during the last Iranian fiscal year (ended on March 20), 12.3 percent less compared to the preceding year.

Iran exported $435.4 million worth of goods to Azerbaijan during the period, which indicates a fall by 9.7 percent year on year.

Azerbaijan and Iran have had diplomatic relations since 1918. Iran recognized Azerbaijan's independence in 1991, and diplomatic relations between the two countries were established in 1992.

Currently, the two countries are focused on expanding their economic ties, developing cooperation in various fields -- industry, agriculture, energy, alternative energy and transportation.

Tehran has in recent years focused seriously on developing its ties with neighboring countries, including Azerbaijan which enjoys various commonalities with Iran -- religious, historical and cultural.

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Sara Rajabova is AzerNews’ staff journalist, follow her on Twitter: @SaraRajabova

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