Shiv Kumar Rungta, President, FAPCCI welcomed the delegates and said that FAPCCI is working very closely with the Consulate General of Islamic Republic of Iran, Hyderabad, to promote the trade between the two countries by organizing interaction meetings with the business delegations on a regular basis. He also mentioned about the MoUs signed by FAPCCI with the Chambers of Commerce of Iran, Mashad, Khorasan and the delegations that visited Iran and vice-versa. It is encouraging that the recent trend of our bilateral relations is reflecting more of a partnership being forged between two large growing economies. The non-oil segment of our bilateral trade has shown appreciable growth and we are happy that Indian exports to Iran have considerably increased.
H.E. Hassan Nourian, Consul General of Islamic Republic of Iran – Hyderabad emphasized on the commonalities between both the countries in the field of Culture, History and religion and interest of Islamic Republic of Iran for development of trade ties and exchange of goods and exchange of more and more trade delegations for study of the capacities and abilities between both the country.
Leader of the Delegation Dr. Mahmoud Salahi, Deputy for Planning and Development, Tehran Municipal Corporation said that India-Iran enjoys economic and commercial ties covering many sectors.
However, the trade relations have traditionally been buoyed by Indian import of Iranian crude oil resulting in overall trade balance in favor of Iran. He informed that Sun City Exhibition Project in Tehran would be a world class exhibition centre for organizing international exhibitions/trade fairs. He invited the entrepreneurs to visit the Sun City Exhibition Project and showcase their products.
Syed soulat Mortazavi, Mayor of Mashhad Municipality stated that Mashhad economy is ranked second in the country is based on tourism, industry and agriculture products. Main exports of Mashhad are food, chemical, household goods, precious stones, building stones, carpets, etc. Mashhad is the holiest and second biggest city of Iran, has the highest number of religious pilgrims and cultural tourist in the country and highest tourism facilities and revenue. He informed about the Mashad Exhibition Centre located in Mashad and said that is one of the leading organizers of international and specialized exhibitions in Iran. It is located at a pleasant area of the city as well as connected to the downtown through neighboring highroads. He invited the entrepreneurs to visit the Exhibition Centre to showcase their products.
Ayesha Rubina, Corporator, Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation suggested for signing of a Sister City Agreement between Hyderabad-Tehran and Mashad. The Sister City agreement will help in exchanging/involving delegations, interactions between institutions and sharing of experiences in areas of mutual interest.
The delegation agreed for the suggestion.
Members felt that there is a need for allowing Iran to open accounts in few more banks and from all the major port cities, which would result in increased trade between the two countries. Also to push the trade and tourism, there is a need for direct flight connectivity between Hyderabad-Tehran. The Officials assured to look into the matter and take necessary action at the earliest.
Anil Reddy Vennam, Senior Vice President, FAPCCI Ravindra Modi, Vice President, FAPCCI, S. Bhalerao, IAS. (Retd.), Secretary General, FAPCCI and P. Prem Kumar, President, Chamber of Commerce for Iran Trade Promotion (CCITP) also addressed the meeting. (INN)