The vice president of Iran’s Chamber of Commerce, Industries, Mines, and Agriculture stated that Iran-Romania trade “does not align with the two nations’ potential,” and called for formulating a five-year plan to increase bilateral exchanges to $1 billion during a meeting with his Romanian counterpart.  Qadir Qiyafeh, during a meeting with Aurelian Gogulescu, vice president of Romania’s Chamber of Commerce, described the two nations’ economies as “complementary” but noted that trade figures in recent years have remained modest.“Latest statistics show Iran-Romania trade reached $348 million, a figure far too low given our combined $700 billion GDP,” IRNA quoted Qiyafeh as saying.  Highlighting the composition of bilateral trade, he added, “In our exchanges, we exported petrochemicals, construction materials, etc., and imported auto parts, corn, and wheat from Romania. However, the potential for expanding trade extends far beyond these sectors.”He identified transportation issues and tariff disparities as key challenges, stating, “Romania produces high-quality agricultural goods and cars, and holds advantages in oil and gas equipment. The Port of Constanța also shortens the Indian Ocean-Black Sea corridor, enhancing logistical efficiency.”Emphasizing Iran’s strengths, he noted, “Oil, gas, and ferrous/non-ferrous metals are key areas for collaboration. Despite sanctions over 46 years, Iran has advanced in production and cutting-edge technologies like nanotechnology — ranked fifth globally — and pharmaceuticals. We remain keen to cooperate with Romania. Implementing bilateral agreements and forming joint banking committees would also be beneficial.”The vice president of Iran’s chamber stressed that “active participation of Iranian and Romanian businesses in each other’s exhibitions will strengthen ties,” reiterating the need for a “five-year plan to achieve $1 billion in bilateral trade.”  “Under Iranian law, companies engaged in international trade must join the Chamber. We have 34 provincial chambers, 39 joint chambers with other nations, and 300 associations across sectors, comprising over 110,000 small, medium, and large enterprises — a vast platform for collaboration,” he further explained.According to Gogulescu, “The trade between the two sides exceeded $400 million in 2016, but declined in subsequent years due to various factors. Chambers can revive this by encouraging traders to participate in each other’s exhibitions.”  Gogolescu also recalled, “The Romanian Chamber delegation’s 2016 visit to Tehran and a 2000 MoU with Iran’s Chamber,” adding, “Beyond these, our determination to deepen ties is pivotal. Like Iran, Romania’s Chamber integrates all provincial chambers under its umbrella.” (ICE TEHERAN)

Fonte notizia: IRAN DAILY