Azerbaijani businessmen interested in investing in Aras FEZ
By Sara Rajabova
Azerbaijan’s Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic voiced readiness to provide guarantees for Iranian investors.
Vasif Talibov, chairman of the Supreme Majlis of Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic made the remarks during the meeting with Esmail Jabbarzadeh, the governor of Iran’s East Azerbaijan province in Iran.
Talibov embarked on a visit to the administrative capital of Iran’s East Azerbaijan province of Tabriz on June 9.
During the meeting with the province’s governor, Azerbaijani official said that Azerbaijani businessmen are interested in making investments in Iran, including in Aras free economic and industrial zone.
Noting that there are many spheres for expanding the economic and trade relations between the two countries, Talibov said the bilateral relations between Azerbaijan and Iran are at a satisfactory level and the cooperation between the two countries will develop in the future as well.
Jabbarzadeh, for his part, said Iranian government is interested in expanding the relations with neighboring countries in all spheres. He added effective measures are taken in accordance with this strategy to develop the relations with Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic.
He said Iranian President Hassan Rouhani has always emphasized the importance of expanding the cooperation with Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic.
Jabbarzadeh also added there are no obstacles for expanding the cooperation.
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.
The countries have recently boosted their relations in different fields of cooperation. The officials from both countries have expressed satisfaction with the development of bilateral ties.
Tehran has in recent years focused seriously on development of ties with neighboring countries, including Azerbaijan which enjoys various commonalties with Iran in religious, historical and cultural fields.
Azerbaijani entrepreneurs have made investments in different fields of the Iranian economy.
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.
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Sara Rajabova is AzerNews’ staff journalist, follow her on
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