TEHRAN (Iran News) – Head of Iran Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mine and Agriculture (ICCIMA) Mr. Gholam-Hossein Shafei in meeting with governor of Osh Province of Kyrgyzstan Mr. Ziauddin Jamaledinov reiterated that both countries need definition of new cooperation standards for taking advantage of their capacities for broadening economic ties.
In the meeting, Shafei pointed to the historic relation between Iran and Kyrgyzstan and said the prospect of economic interaction between the two countries is bright. He went on to say that despite talks and agreements between the two countries in the past, no constructive action has been taken for defining standards for economic cooperation between the two states, adding that the ground is ready and this should be materialized.
He noted that definition of these standards are very important for both parties in their interactions and exchanges and will pave the road for future investments. He stated that due to good water resources in Kyrgyzstan, the ground is favorable for cooperation of both countries in agriculture.
Shafei also pointed to some restrictions on course to economic exchanges between Tehran and Bishkek and stipulated that one of the problems for economic interaction is the lack of a proper banking relation, and repeatedly it has been recommended Iranian banks to open their branches in Kyrgyzstan in order to resolve the problems of Iranian investors and traders.
He added that lack of issuing banking guarantees is another problem in the field of exporting technical and engineering services of Iranians to Kyrgyzstan, adding that considering the regional developments like Eurasia and using Russian banking system, issuance of banking guarantees can reach a favorable point.
Shafei also pointed to the significance of direct flights between Iran and Kyrgyzstan for broadening interactions between the two states, expressing hope that with efforts of the two states, the direct flight between the two countries would be re-launched and announced support of Iran Chamber of Commerce.
He also said that Iran needs serious cooperation in the field of rail transportation and if it is provided and in some seasons of the year Kyrgyzstan provides its trade wagons, then exchange of goods between the two countries will happen with better prices and the ground for broadening trade ties will be provided.
Shafei noted that membership in the EAEU and the SCO has created good condition for investors and in case both countries make most out of this condition, the volume of their trade cooperation will enhance.
Then Governor of Osh Mr. Jamaledinov, for his part, said that Kyrgyzstan attaches great respect for Iranians who intend to invest in Kyrgyzstan, adding that tax and related issues is very simple and it is not complicated and this is a good opportunity for investors.
He noted that Kyrgyzstan is in good condition in terms of electricity resources and he thinks energy is cheaper and therefore it has economic efficiency, reiterating that Kyrgyzstan is cheaper comparing to other states and it provides good opportunity for investment.
Then Kyrgyz Ambassador to Tehran Mr. Turdakun Sydykov, for his part, announced readiness of the embassy for cooperation with Ira Chamber of commerce. He added that the embassy has eased visa issuance and there will be no problem any longer, stating that today both countries can issue visas upon arrival at the port and urged Iran to restore this condition.
Touching upon the launch of direct flight between Iran and Kyrgyzstan, he said that an airliner has reached agreement and it has been decided one flight per week to be launched.
