On January 27, Minister of Economic Development and Investments of Armenia Suren Karayan received the Iranian delegation headed by the CEO of "Aras" free trade zone, Chairman of the Board, Mohsen Arab-Baghi.

The delegation included the deputy of the Iranian parliament, member of the Supreme Economic Council Mohammad Hassan Nejad, Armenian deputies Karen Khanlaryan and George Abrahamyan, as well as other officials, businessmen and experts.

The meeting was also attended by the Iranian Ambassador to Armenia Seyed Kazem Sadjadi, Deputy Minister of Economic Development and Investments Hovhannes Azizyan and other responsible officials of the Ministry.

Welcoming the delegation members, Suren Karayan noted that two friendly countries can jointly ensure faster development of economy.

“It is necessary to make a full use of the existing opportunities. We should seek to organize joint production and export to other markets. We announce about the creation of a free trade zone in Meghri and already move to the organizational activities. Through joint efforts we will do our best to organize the efficient work of the free trade zones. The bordering free trade zones of Armenia and Iran should become the epicenter of the region’s bordering free trade zones,” Karayan stressed.

The Minister proposed holding a joint business conference after the establishment of the Meghri free trade zone, inviting all the businessmen concerned so that the latter can get familiarized with the capacities and advantages of the free trade zones.

Expressing gratitude for the warm reception, Iranian Ambassador Seyed Kazem Sadjadi, noted that the delegation, which is in Armenia, is a wonderful team, which can present all the opportunities of Iran’s economy. He also added that the results of Iranian President’s visit to Armenia will soon become visible, since both sides have a political will and great wish to deepen and expand the trade and economic cooperation.

The CEO of "Aras" free trade zone, Chairman of the Board, Mohsen Arab-Baghi attached importance to the business cooperation, especially stressing the organization of joint work in free trade zones. He expressed readiness to brief the Armenian officials and businessmen on the activity of "Aras" free trade zone, also transferring their experience to their Armenian partners.

At the meeting, the sides discussed the spheres of mutual interest, specifically referring to agriculture, production of dairy and meat, mining industry, nanotechnology, other spheres of industry and tourism.

Once again assuring readiness to deepen economic cooperation, the participants of the meeting agreed to set up a working group, which will outline specific steps towards organization of active cooperation in the economic zones of two countries.