IRAN OFFERS ARMENIA TO CREATE A FREE TRADE ZONE

Lragir, Armenia
July 18 2007

The head of the department of economic cooperation of the Iranian
foreign ministry Seyed Mahdi Mirubutalebi stated in Yerevan that his
country offers Armenia to create a free trade zone, ARKA reported.

Mirutalebi voiced concern that the lowest level of trade is with
Armenia. He said a change is necessary. "Iran and Armenia have a
high-level political cooperation, whereas the economic component is
much weaker. The governments of both countries state it is necessary to
boost trade but there are no tangible results," the Iranian official
stated. He thinks the governments should negotiate and make steps
towards boosting trade to one billion dollars. Therefore, Iran offers
Armenia to create a free trade zone.