Iran-Russia trade unsatisfactory: Official

Tehran, Dec 3, IRNA – Head of the Trade Development Organization Valiollah Afkhami-Rad said that despite all the efforts that have been made by Iran and Russia still the volume of trade between the two countries is not satisfactory. Speaking at a session of Tehran Chamber on Iran-Russian trade he said the Russian government has not taken any outstanding measure for the development of software infrastructure for promotion of bilateral trade adding that high tariffs are put on the Iranian export goods to Russia as compared with other countries. He pointed to the negotiations held with the Russia economic development minister concerning establishment of software infrastructure for the development of trade between the two countries such as facilitation of visa formalities, reduction of tariffs and equipment of ports and said the Russian minister has promised to further cooperate in removing the obstacles. According to the official, the Russian government has not taken development of economic relations with Iran so seriously yet and noted: “If they are not willing, we cannot do anything even with the removal of banking impediments.” Afkhami-Rad also pointed to the new directives by the Central Bank of Iran that exporters are allowed to sell their hard currency at open market rate outside the country and wherever there is an Iranian bank. According to the new directive, he added, the hard currency of the exporters will be received outside the country and banks inside the country will pay them the open market rate./end