Possible areas of cooperation between Moscow and Iranian entrepreneurs were discussed at the meeting.
The meeting was moderated by Mr. Nikolay Mashkov, the Chairman of the MCCI’s Commission for Foreign Economic Cooperation with Partners in Iran. He passed the floor for a welcoming speech to the President of the Moscow Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Mr. Vladimir Platonov, who noted: "Friendship between our countries has a long history, but in recent years we are united by the fact that we are under sanctions. The sanctions show us that we are strong and can quietly develop and proceed without external interference, solely at the expense of our own resources. Our main resources are our people, but, of course, our natural wealth also helps us to be self-sufficient."
The President of the Moscow Chamber of Commerce and Industry noted that the main objective is not only meetings, but the work that is being done between the entrepreneurs of the two countries. Then Mr. Platonov spoke about the opportunities that exist for the development of mutually beneficial cooperation. He is sure that the key for a long-term cooperation is the youth. "If you send someone to study in Moscow, contact the MCCI. We can find companies for these young people where they can pursue their studies, acquire skills and become your emissaries" suggested the President of the Moscow CCI.
Representatives of Iranian business showed a presentation of their Province, which has the longest coastline with the Persian Gulf. Bushehr is rich in oil and gas, maritime industry, agriculture and fisheries are being developed, and there are nuclear power plants. The strategic location in the Persian Gulf has made this province very important internationally. And the presence of large gas, oil deposits and power plants has made Bushehr known as the energy capital of Iran
The Head of the delegation of the Bushehr Province, the Deputy Governor for Economic Coordination, Mr. Ali Bastin, emphasized that Iranian entrepreneurs are interested in getting acquainted with the markets of the Russian Federation; they are waiting for the Russian side to show them all the available opportunities. "We wanted to invite members of the MCCI to our Province so that they could see our considerable economic opportunities. Bushehr’s port is a great transit opportunity for any goods. We also have great opportunities for products. First of all, we have excellent quality dates, shrimps and tomatoes,” Mr. Bastin said. He added that Iranian entrepreneurs are waiting for help from their Russian colleagues in finding buyers not only in Moscow, but also in the regions.
"This is very important! The MCCI is one of the 89 Chambers of Commerce and Industry in the Russian Federation. I know that many of them cooperate with Iran, but still the information that comes from us is very useful. Today I am meeting with the Heads of the Chambers of Commerce and Industry of a number of constituent entities of the Russian Federation and I will definitely tell them about our meeting and your proposals," Mr. Platonov responded.
Then Mr. Mashkov spoke about the Moscow Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the system of its Country Commissions. "The activities of the Iranian Commission are focused on three main areas: business communication (search for partners, organization of business missions); analytics and expertise of the markets of Russia and Iran; support and promotion of business interests of both countries", - said Mr. Mashkov.
Mr. Yuri Katsnelson, the President of the Russian Guild of Bakers and Confectioners, spoke about the largest annual international exhibition "Grain. Feed. Veterinary", and about the forthcoming competition - Moscow Cup on baking, about the school of bakers. "We will be glad to see delegations of Iranian bakers at these events. I also know that Iran has production and successful application of baking equipment. Our bakers are very interested in it," summarized Mr. Katsnelson.
Then the signing ceremony of the Agreement between the Union "Moscow Chamber of Commerce and Industry" and the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Mining and Agriculture of the Bushehr Province took place. The participants of the meeting had an opportunity to introduce their companies and exchange business cards.