The government has since last year moved to expand ties with world economies but, this time, it’s the private sector that has stepped in to open a fresh economic chapter with the United States after 35 years.
Chambers of commerce in Tehran and Washington will establish a joint chamber in a few months, according to Mehdi Behkish, secretary general of the Iranian National Committee of the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC), as reported by Eghtesad News on Wednesday.
“The joint chamber of commerce is set to start expanding relations as soon as Iran and the P5+1 reach a comprehensive deal which would lead to the lifting of (anti-Iran) sanctions,” Behkish said.
Tehran and Washington have had no political and economic relations since 1979.
Venezuela
On September 16, Venezuela and Iran launched their eighth joint commission in Caracas, IRNA reported.
On the sidelines of the event, industry minister Mohammadreza Nematzadeh underlined the need for boosting ties between the two nations.
The minister also highlighted plans for the establishment of a shipping line and flights between Tehran and Caracas, which could facilitate transfer of goods.
Venezuela and Iran have signed a various bilateral agreements over the past few years, with officials seeking further deals.
Mexico
On Monday, Iranian and Mexican officials negotiated the prospect of boosting economic and cultural relations during a seminar held at the Niavaran cultural center in Tehran. The Mexican delegation included high-ranking officials and businesspeople accompanied with Ambassador Carlos de Icaza.
In 2012, total trade between the two countries valued $133 million, the highest ever registered; however, the number fell to $20 million in 2013.
Azerbaijan
A high-ranking delegation from Azerbaijan, headed by Azeri Economy and Industry Minister Shahin Mustafayev, paid a three-day visit to Tehran earlier this week.
Mustafayev was accompanied by representatives of the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic’s Supreme Assembly, State Oil Company of Azerbaijan (SOCAR), the ministries of foreign affairs, transport and emergency, and Azerenerji Joint Stock Company (JSC).
The visit followed the ninth meeting of Iran-Azerbaijan economic cooperation Council held in Baku last month.
The two sides agreed in Tehran to cooperate further on energy, customs, tourism, and transportation sectors.
Trade between Tehran and Baku currently stands at $500 million in value.
