Iran and Australia Seek to Boost Non-Sanctioned Trade Cooperation

TEHRAN (Iran News) Speaking during a meeting with Ian McConville, Australia’s Ambassador to Iran, Hassanzadeh suggested that alternative financial mechanisms could be utilized, provided both nations reach a mutual understanding. He highlighted the pivotal role the Australian Embassy could play in facilitating this process. “Continuous engagement between the ambassador, the trade attaché, and the Iran Chamber is crucial,” he noted, adding that Iran’s diverse capabilities offer significant opportunities for bilateral trade.

Hassanzadeh pointed to Iran’s competitive export products—such as food industries, construction materials, medical supplies, and dried fruits—as ideal for the Australian market due to their high quality and affordability. He also underscored Iran’s strengths in sectors like casting and automotive parts, textile and industrial machinery, engineering services (including power plants, dams, bridges, refineries, and petrochemicals), as well as handicrafts and carpets.

Tourism was another area of potential collaboration, with Hassanzadeh inviting Australian representatives to visit key Iranian provinces such as Shiraz, Isfahan, Tabriz, Mashhad, Kerman, and Yazd to explore opportunities firsthand. “We hope the Australian Embassy will take steps to ease trade relations between our two countries,” he said.

Ian McConville, Australia’s Ambassador to Iran, echoed the call for deeper ties, expressing Australia’s keen interest in strengthening cooperation, particularly through the Iran Chamber and the joint chamber of commerce. Having visited cities like Shiraz, Yazd, Isfahan, and Kashan, he remarked, “Iranian carpets have always left a strong impression on us.”

McConville, who recently met with the head of the Shiraz Chamber of Commerce, expressed his desire to connect with other chamber leaders across Iran. He acknowledged that a reasonable level of bilateral trade already exists, citing significant Australian meat exports to Iran and the import of non-sanctioned Iranian goods into Australia. However, he stressed the need to expand cooperation in non-sanctioned sectors.

The ambassador identified banking sanctions as the primary hurdle to advancing trade relations. “These restrictions impede progress, but I hope through ongoing dialogue we can overcome them,” he said.

In closing, Hassanzadeh emphasized Iran’s belief that no nation can thrive in isolation or under restrictions. “Our country’s leadership is committed to fostering international relations with all nations in an atmosphere of peace and security,” he said. “We expect other countries to resist unfair discrimination and pressures, contributing to greater global interaction.”

The discussions signal a mutual intent to navigate the complexities of sanctions and unlock the untapped potential of Iran-Australia trade relations.