Poland’s Deputy Prime Minister and Economy Minister Janusz Piechociński is to visit Tehran in September along with a group of businesspeople, as part of Poland’s efforts to tap into the lucrative Iranian market.
“Our offer [to Iran] will rival those of our European partners,” Piechociński told a press conference, noting that Poland will have to compete with countries such as Germany to enter the market, Polish Press Agency reported on Friday.
The minister announced that 50-60 representatives of Polish firms will go with him on an economic mission as part of the recently announced ‘Go Iran’ program.
The end of sanctions on the country is expected to be an opportunity for trade, in particular for Polish farmers.
During the visit, Piechociński will take part in a Polish-Iranian Business Forum in Tehran and will sign an agreement to create a joint Polish-Iranian committee as a forum for regular future economic contacts and consultations.
Meanwhile the Iranian ambassador to Poland, Ramin Mehmanparast, also expressed hopes that Polish firms will operate in the Iranian market.
“Iran, in terms of hydrocarbon resources is first in the world. We are ready to begin cooperation with Poland in this area. Similarly for mining, agriculture and the pharmaceutical industry. We can [also] establish cooperation in the food industry,” Mehmanparast commented.
The ambassador added that Iran is preparing its own economic mission to Poland, which will see Iranian businesspeople take part in Polish trade fairs.
Due to economic sanctions in 2014 Polish exports to Iran amounted to just 34.9 million euros, while imports from Iran were worth 22.4 million euros.
As a result of a historic deal between Iran and six world powers agreed in Vienna earlier this month, economic sanctions on Iran will now be lifted in return for restrictions on the country’s nuclear program.
Import from Iran Via Armenia
Meanwhile, Piechociński says Poland may import goods from Iran through Armenia, Panorama.am reported.
“Shipping and freight transport is very convenient through the implementation of Silk Road project. We could use alternative routes, like Armenia and Georgia, as well as Turkey,” Piechociński was quoted as saying.
The deputy PM noted that if Iranian investors produced goods in Armenia, they would be able to export the products to the $200 million market of the EEU member states without customs duties. Only Armenia is a member of both the EEU and GPS+ system, enabling it to export certain products to the European Union with low customs fees.
