YEREVAN. - Minister of Economic Development and Investments of Armenia, on Friday received the Iranian delegation headed by the CEO of Aras free trade zone, Mohsen Arab-Baghi.

The delegation included the deputies of the Iranian parliament Mohammad Hassan Nejad, Armenian Karen Khanlaryan and George Abrahamyan, as well as other officials, businessmen and experts.

The meeting was also attended by the Iranian Ambassador to Armenia Seyed Kazem Sadjadi, Deputy Minister of Economic Development and Investments Hovhannes Azizyan and other officials in charge of the Ministry.

Welcoming the delegation members, Suren Karayan noted that the two friendly countries can jointly ensure faster development of economy.

“It is necessary to make a full use of the existing opportunities. We should seek to organize joint production and export to other markets. We announce about the creation of a free trade zone in Meghri and already move to the organizational activities. Through joint efforts we will do our best to organize the efficient work of the free trade zones. The bordering free trade zones of Armenia and Iran should become the epicenter of the region’s bordering free trade zones,” Karayan stressed.

The Minister proposed holding a joint business conference after the establishment of the Meghri free trade zone, inviting all the businessmen concerned so that the latter can get familiarized with the capacities and advantages of the free trade zones.

Iranian Ambassador Seyed Kazem Sadjadi, for his part, thanked for the warm reception, noting that the delegation is a wonderful team, which can present all the opportunities of Iran’s economy. He also added that the results of Iranian President’s visit to Armenia will soon become visible, since both sides have a political will and great wish to deepen and expand the trade and economic cooperation.

Mohsen Arab-Baghi attached importance to the business cooperation, especially stressing the organization of joint work in free trade zones. He expressed readiness to brief the Armenian officials and businessmen on the activity of Aras free trade zone, also transferring their experience to their Armenian partners.

At the meeting, the sides also discussed the spheres of mutual interest, specifically referring to the manufacturing of agriculture, dairy and meat products mining, nanotechnology, other spheres of industry and tourism. They also agreed to set up a working group for coordinating the relevant work.