TEHRAN HOSTS CONFERENCE ON INVESTMENTS IN ARMENIA

Tehran Times
Feb 10 2010
Iran

TEHRAN – Iran started an international conference on trade and
investment opportunities in Armenia on Tuesday.

In this two-day event the Armenian chief economic advisor to the
president and the Armenian minister of transportation are present,
the Islamic Republic of Iran News Network reported.

In addition, Iranian acting deputy for economic affairs of the Foreign
Ministry, as well as the director of the Trade Development Organization
has taken part.

The Iranian official said that the current $200 million trade balance
between the two countries should improve significantly.

Amir-Mansour Borqei stated that Tehran and Yerevan have common
historical relations which can lead to all-out and stable cooperation
in economic, social and political fields between the two countries.

He added that the two sides are committed to further boost the
currently growing ties between the two countries in activities such
as peaceful use of nuclear energy and human rights.

The Iranian official said that a mutual bank should be established
between Iran and Armenia, adding the road and rail connections of
the two must be developed.

Meanwhile, the Armenian chief economic advisor to the president said
that the main objective of the conference is to enhance the activities
of the private sector.

Vahram Nercissiantz pointed out that his country is keen on expanding
relations with Iran, and stated that the two sides must make efforts
to remove any obstacles hindering trade and investments.

He stated that his government is currently working on developing
ties in the fields of road and rail transportation, transmission of
electricity and a gas pipeline.

Nercissiantz noted that 4.6 percent of the imported goods in Armenia
come from Iran.