Tehran Times
May 28 2005

Iran, Armenia develop agricultural cooperation

YEREVAN — `We will expand economic ties with Iran, especially in
Mazandaran,’ stated Deputy Minister of Agriculture Samvel Avetisian.

After signing a memorandum on economic cooperation with Mazandaran
Province in Nur city, Avetisian addressed the meeting with
representatives of departments, entrepreneurs and businessmen of Iran
and Armenia.

`Taking into account the high economic and agricultural potential of
Mazandaran, the province can meet many of Yerevan needs
successfully,’ he noted.

Mazandaran province is situated in the north of Iran along the
Caspian shore. `In the course of our current four-day visit
preconditions were formed for Armenian and Iranian entrepreneurs
making investments in both countries,’ Avetisian said. Mazandaran
Vice-Governor Ali Akbar Mirluhi also delivered a speech at the
meeting.

`The memorandum signed by the parties concerned the cooperation in
education, research, water resources, agriculture and fishing, as
well as export of cattle breeding and gardening products,’ he said.
Avetisian also added that with the signing of the document, proper
conditions are provided for expansion of economic relations between
Armenia and Mazandaran. On his part, Mirluhi noted that the parties
have come to an understanding over the building of a butter-making
plant in Armenia and $15 million should be allocated to the
implementation of this project. The parties have also agreed to meet
Armenia’s needs by using the potential of Mazandaran province, to use
the travel cooperation and to organize an exhibition of Mazandaran
achievements in Yerevan.