Businesses, engines of Tehran-Tokyo economic ties

TEHRAN, Dec. 07 (MNA) – Iranian foreign minister, while pointing to fine age-old relations between Iran and Japan, deemed trade institutions as generators of economic cooperation between the two sides. Mohammad Javad Zarif made the remarks during the first Iran-Japan Business Forum organized by Japan’s Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) and Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO). The Iranian senior official insisted that Iran and Japan has countless commonalities which could lead to development of bilateral cooperation. Zarif also deemed Iran as the most secure state inside the region, a fact which offers excellent opportunities to foreign investors. Later during the session which was held at Hotel Okura Tokyo, the Iranian minister of foreign affairs pointed to effectiveness of similar meeting affirming that holding numerous commonalities could bring about deepening of cultural, political and economic ties. He referred to the field of fight against drugs in Afghanistan as a venue for cooperation between Tehran and Tokyo though existing ties could be expanded in various arenas. The official further enumerated causes of Iran’s high security saying “Tehran offers the safest investment opportunities to Japanese traders.” FM Zarif also touched upon Iran’s advancements in science and technology, especially in nanotechnology, highlighting that majority of achievements were obtained during sanction years. Iran’s foreign minister recalled that the country’s pace of development has been accelerated following the nuclear accord with the 5+1 group of countries. The official also voiced Iran’s eagerness to launch trade and economic collaboration with the world while maintaining the reliance on domestic capabilities. Mohammad Javad Zarif pointed to the growing trend in terrorism in the region which had led to instabilities emphasizing “despite turbulent circumstances present in other regional countries, Iranian are enjoying peace and tranquility.” He further evaluated Iran as a corridor which connects South to North all the way from Persian Gulf littoral states to Caucasus region; “private Iranian companies are ready to commence collaboration with Japan and other countries,” stressed Zarif urging Japan’s private firms to identify Ira’s investment and economic opportunities and prepare for making presence in the Iranian market.”