Iran invites Azerbaijani businessmen to invest in its provinces

/By AzerNews/

By Sara Rajabova

An Iranian official has invited Azerbaijani businessmen to make investments in the Iranian city of Ramsar in the Mazandaran province.

Hussein Sururi, the mayor of Ramsar city told Azerbaijani reporters in the country that Iran welcomes Azerbaijani investments in the sphere of tourism, agriculture, floriculture and cultivation of ornamental plants and their export, Trend reported.

He added that Azerbaijan and Iran are bound by ancient historical and cultural roots, and that this can play a crucial role in better bilateral relations between the two countries.

“We are ready to create all conditions for those businessmen who intend to make investments in Ramsar. We can provide assurances for their investments and provision for the allocation of lands,” Sururi said.

Sururi added that an insurance law covering the issue of foreign investments had been adopted in the country, noting “we guarantee the implementation of this law.”

He also went on to say that Iran is ready to create all necessary conditions for Azerbaijani investors in the sphere of shipping and maritime transportation as well.

“Currently, citrus fruits grown in Ramsar are exported both to Azerbaijan and other countries,” Sururi said, adding that there are good opportunities to expand these ties.

Meanwhile, the Iranian company head confirmed it plans to open a plant for the production of vegetable oil and extracts in Azerbaijan with the support of Iran’s Red Crescent Society.

Arash Seyed Salehi, head of the Soha Jissa company told Azerbaijani reporters that initially the company plans to open its representative office in Azerbaijan for the production of vegetable oils and extracts.

Salehi said currently the company produces extracts, creams and varieties of tea.

The plant mainly produces medicines and supplies raw materials to other enterprises. The plant currently controls about 70 percent of the local market in the sphere of production and sale of extracts.

“We produce and supply raw materials depending on the received orders,” Salehi said.

He added that in the future, the company plans to export abroad, especially, to provide enterprises in Azerbaijan with all necessary medicinal and herbal extracts, medicines and raw materials.

Iran and Azerbaijan have had diplomatic relations since 1918. Iran recognized Azerbaijan's independence in 1991, and diplomatic relations between the two countries were established in 1992.

Tehran has in recent years focused seriously on developing ties with neighboring countries, including Azerbaijan which enjoys various commonalties with Iran -- religious, historical and cultural.

Currently, the two countries are focused on expanding their economic ties, developing cooperation in various fields -- industry, agriculture, energy, alternative energy and transportation.