TEHRAN (Iran News) –A member of Iran Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mine and Agriculture (ICCIMA) says Azerbaijan Republic government accepts limited arrival of Iranian trucks and since Iran lacks X-Ray machines in the border this problem has been deteriorated and actually border customs of both countries cannot afford admission and inspection of more than 150 trucks per day.
Speaking to ILNA, Behrouz Poorsoleiman said that exports from Ardabil Province of Iran to Azerbaijan Republic has declined by 53% in the first three quarters of the current year, adding that this decline has happened while the trade between Iran and Azerbaijan had not disrupted even in the days of pandemic or Azerbaijan’s dispute with Armenia over Karabakh.
He termed Ardabil the first hub of potato production in the country, adding that export of potato from Ardabil to Azarbaijan came to a halt for a while and it seems it was because of Azerbaijan’s restriction on import of apple, adding that rubber products and construction stones are the other main exports of Ardabil Province to Azerbaijan.
Poorsoleiman further pointed to the rise in the transit of goods between border of the two countries, adding that the volume of transit goods at borders of both countries has increased by 230% , adding that the Ukraine war has led to transit of goods arrived in Banda Abbas Port to Azerbaijan and today we face long lines at Bileh Savar border because of the rise in the number of the transit goods.
He added that the long lines are because of the lack of X-Ray machines in the border which has worsened the condition and currently due to these shortages only 150 trucks are admitted and inspected at the borders and expressed hope by finding new ways, the trade would improve.
He expressed hope the current devaluation of rial, the ground would be paved for the rise of exports especially to Azerbaijan.
Poorsoleiman also urged exporters to improve standards and especially the packing and branding their products if they want to conquer the Azerbaijan Republic Market.
