The governor of the Central Bank of Iran Mohammad Reza Farzin held talks in Qatar on Thursday in the framework of plans to promote banking ties with the Persian Gulf Arab states.
Heading a delegation Farzin called on the Qatar Central Bank chief Sheikh Bandar Bin Mohammed Bin Saoud Al-Thani in Doha. The two sides explored banking and financial ties between the two neighbors and ways to build interaction, the CBI website reported.
"Expanding banking and monetary relations between the two countries and starting currency swap schemes” can and should help achieve the set targets," the newly-appointed CBI boss was quoted as saying. NO details were avialble.
Qatar's senior banker expressed his government’s interest in boosting banking ties with Iran. "Enhancing banking relations with Iran is a priority for us that would benefit both sides."
Observers said Friday Farzin's visit is likely aimed at releasing Iran's assets held in many countries due to the US sanctions and could be used for stabilizing the chaotic currency market.
Currency rates have scaled to historic highs in Iran over the past several week following unrest in the country.
Last May the CBI hosted Qatar's ambassador in Tehran where ways and means of unlocking billions in Iran’s foreign assets was reviewed. Tehran has held talks with countries in which the assets are held namely South Korea, Oman, Iraq, China and Japan.
Iran and Qatar have enjoyed cordial ties. The two sides signed several memorandums of understanding during President Ebrahim Raisi's visit to Doha last February.
Bilateral trade in the last Iranian year (March 2021-22) stood at $150 million. Iran exported $140 million worth of goods to Qatar, including iron and steel, bitumen, oil, Portland cement, shrimps floorings, food and fruit, Fars News Agency reported.
Heavy machinery, excavators, airplane parts, natural rubber and pulp were imported from the Arab state.
