Iranˈs Non-oil Exports Rise By 25% In Weight Terms

Zanjan, April 22, IRNA – Deputy Minister of Industry, Mine and Trade Kiumars Fathollah-Kermanshahi said on Sunday that Iranˈs non-oil exports increased by 25 percent in terms of weight in the past Iranian year. He said Iranˈs total exports including oil and oil condensates hit $96b in the past year, showing a 5% fall compared to the previous year. Referring to Westˈs sanctions on the country's oil exports, he said that by increasing non-oil exports, Iranian economy moves toward fulfillment of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khameneiˈs call for closing oil wells. Based on the countryˈs Fifth Five-Year Development Plan Iranˈs non-oil exports have to reach $59 billion dollars, he added. Kermanshahi said that $41b of the sum will be provided through export of Iranian products and $18b through export of services. Iranˈs trade deficit improved by 30 percent in the previous year according to which the countryˈs non-oil exports came closer to imports, he noted./end