On the 8th of September, an online conference, titled the "Mechanisms of doing business with Iran, features and infrastructure" was held, which was attended by entrepreneurs from Russia, who are already working with Iran, as well as those who are just planning to enter this market.
In his welcoming speech, Mr. Suren Vardanyan, the Moscow Chamber of Commerce and Industry’s Vice-President, noted that all participants are waiting for the event to have a systematic approach and an open discussion.
Mr. Sergey Nosov, the Director of the Department for Asia, Africa and Latin America of the Ministry of Industry and Trade of the Russian Federation, said: "Speaking about Iran, the intention and what we perceive and mean to explore is a huge existing potential for the development of cooperation between our countries.
Although the industrial collaboration still remains the central element of the direction for a reciprocal cooperation between our states, Iran has been a traditional partner of the Russian Federation in the Caspian region, and trade relations with this country have always been characterized by positive dynamics, high level of trust and mutual benefits”, Mr. Nosov said.
Speaking about interaction in the field of industry, Mr. Nosov listed the following areas: engineering, energy, pharmaceuticals. "We know that our Iranian partners highly appreciate Russian technologies, equipment, vehicles - and therefore they are very interested in cooperation with our companies”.
The Russian Trade Representative in the Islamic Republic of Iran, Mr. Rustam Zhiganshin, provided an overview of trade and economic relations between Russia and Iran. He noted that at this stage, Russian enterprises have an opportunity to replace of competitors and gain a foothold in the Iranian market, promoting Russian technologies, machinery and equipment.
However, it should be understood that due to the current political situation, domestic economic policy and mentality, the Iranian market is quite difficult. "As a rule, some of the conditions for cooperation with Iran are the prospects of localizing equipment production and technological transfers," warned Mr. Zhiganshin. He also recommended that Russian companies visit Iranian industrial exhibitions without necessarily participating.
The speaker also reminded of the need to take into account Iranian holidays, days of religious mourning and peculiarities of life during the month of Ramadan in planning trips to the country. He also warned that bank cards are not used there and it is necessary to bring cash.
The Deputy for International Affairs of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Tehran, Mr. Hessameddin A. Hallage, spoke about the current needs of the Iranian market for exports and imports. He specifically identified areas of cooperation, noting that "oil, energy, logistics and transport can help to develop trade between our countries".
Mr. Mehdi Gadamyari, the Head of International Business Services Center of Free Economic Zone, “Payamy”, spoke about the possibilities of international business services center of FEZ to organize joint activities with Russian partners.
The Program Director of the Russian Council on Foreign Affairs (RIAC), Mr. Ivan Timofeev, spoke about the international sanctions against Iran and the sanctions-free sectors of the economy.
The Chairman of the MCCI Commission on Foreign Economic Cooperation with partners in Iran , Mr. Nikolay Mashkov, detailed t the organization of remote sales in Iran and bank settlements. He noted that our goods in the Iranian market are quite competitive and if we take into account all economic and political factors, we can go beyond and outperform all other competitors.
"Russian business is always ready to cooperate, interact, strengthen and build new long-term relationships with Iranian companies in diverse industries and sectors of the economy", - summed up Mr. Mashkov.
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