Nahavandian: Iran, Indonesia Can Expand Co-op In Oil, Gas, Petrochemical Sectors

Tehran, Aug 26, IRNA – Head of Iran Chamber of Commerce, Industries, Mines and Agriculture Mohammad Nahavandian said on Sunday that oil and gas are proper grounds for cooperation between Iran and Indonesia. Addressing a ceremony marking Indonesia's Economy Day during an Iran-Indonesia meeting, Nahavandian said cooperation in oil, gas and petrochemical sectors have been suitable areas of cooperation between the two sides over past years with the private sector of Iran entering the field. Head of the Indonesian Chamber and a group of private sector members were present in the meeting. Nahavandian said enhancing cooperation for development of small and medium-sized industries can expedite expansion of bilateral relations. He said to expand commercial transactions, the two sides need special services, including banking services and to this end the two sides banks should make necessary coordination. He added that Iran would do its best to lift sanctions imposed on the country. Nahavandian said besides cultural similarities, Iran and Indonesia have many other political commonalities in Asia which justify expansion of bilateral trade cooperation. Thanking Indonesian chamber for forming an Iranian working group, Nahavandian said Iran Chamber is fully ready for expansion of relations with the Indonesian chamber. Indonesian Ambassador to Tehran Dian Wirengjurit, who was present in the meeting said that despite many commonalities, Iran and Indonesia have lost many opportunities for promotion of mutual commercial cooperation. He said the two countries can have cooperation in oil and chemical sectors. Indonesia is capable of finding good infrastructures for mutual cooperation. He said one of the important programs of Indonesian Embassy in Tehran is to redefine mutual relations, no longer allowing any chance to be missed and using available capacities for upgrading of ties with Iran./end