In a meeting held by visiting vice president of Austria’s chamber of commerce, Richard Schenz, with Iran’s Industries Ministry officials on Tuesday, the Austrian side expressed readiness to speed up expansion of relations with Tehran.
“Austria is willing to cooperate with Iran in the development of small enterprises,” IRNA quoted Schenz as saying.
Schenz, who is heading a trade delegation, is on a visit to Tehran to explore avenues of business cooperation.
Ali Mohammad Goudarzi, an advisor to Iran’s minister of industries, mines and trade, during the meeting, said both sides should consider increasing trade.
Trade with Austria has declined severely in recent years amid western sanctions imposed on Iran over its nuclear energy program.
Referring to a history of successful joint ventures, the two sides also discussed mutual cooperation in the education and training sectors.
Director general at the Department of Manufacturing Equipment and Machinery in the Industries Ministry Kiyoumars Foroutani also said the two countries should consider exchanging technical knowledge as well as increasing direct investments.
He pointed out the role of Iranian companies based in Austria in preparing the ground for a boost in mutual ties.
Schenz also said Austrian universities are ready to cooperate with Iran’s science sector.
