In an interview with Eghtesadonline news website, Molaei pointed to the historic relations between Iran and Austria, adding that both countries have multilateral relations in all spheres.

IRAN NEWS ECONOMIC DESK

He added that economic, industrial and trade co-operations have been more significant than other co-operations.

He went on to say that after the nuclear deal, those co-operations have been accelerated and grown. He also pointed to some meetings between high-ranking officials of both countries, especially Austrian President’s visit to Tehran in 2015.

Molaei added that cooperation between Iran and Austria moves with acceptable pace and it has expanded into other fields despite the U.S. unilateral and inhuman sanctions against Iran.

He noted that economic cooperation between both countries has grown with regular growth especially between 2016 and 2018 when Iran’s exports to Austria have jumped significantly.

Molaei added that the trade volume between Iran and Austria was over 725m euros in 2018 which shows 60 percent growth comparing to the preceding year. By the way in 2018, Iran’s exports to Austria grew by 283 percent and the value of Iran’s exports stood at 457m euros. He reiterated that the trade balance with Austria was positive for Iran and the trade balance was 189m euros.

Molaei noted that the trade volume of both countries between 2016 and 2017 grew significantly comparing to its preceding years. The trade volume of both states was over 378m euros in 2016 which indicated 26 percent growth comparing to 2015.

He also added that Iran’s exports to Austria jumped from 14m euros in 2015 to 97m euros in 2016.

The Iranian diplomat further said that energy related products, raw material and foodstuff were the major exports of Iran to Austria while processed products, chemicals and machinery have been the major exports of Austria to Iran.

Molaei reiterated that Austria is one of the developed European countries and it is one of major European trade partners of Iran due to its diverse advantages, while Iran due to its geopolitical position is considered as one of the crucial partners of Austria in the region.

He went on to say that Iran’s embassy in Vienna has taken long strides for strengthening relations with Austria in all spheres especially in economic and industrial cooperation.

Molaei reiterated that holding forums and conferences in both countries will help businessmen of both states to get familiar with potentials and capacities for bilateral cooperation and investment.

He added that Iran is keen to cooperate with Austria in new technologies by retaining their traditional co-operations.

He added that soon a trade delegation from Iran would travel to Austria for exploring ways for economic cooperation.