Iran and the Netherlands surveyed possibilities of bilateral cooperation in the agriculture sector during a meeting between Iranian Minister of Agricultural Jihad Mahmoud Hojjati and Dutch Minister of Economic Affairs Henk Kamp in Tehran on Sunday.
“The Netherlands is looking for long-term cooperation in the field of agriculture. We are willing to collaborate in the cultivation, processing and later on, exports of Iranian fruit. The country has great potential for floriculture, hence the two sides can expand cooperation in the production and processing of flowers as well,” Kamp was quoted as saying by IRNA.
Hojjati called for cooperation in the production and processing of medicinal herbs.
“The two sides can extend cooperation for creating brands in the field. More than 1,450 medicinal herbs are found in Iran, most of which are exported as raw material. Iran and the Netherlands can create added value and benefit from joint exports,” he said.
Hojjati and Kamp signed a memorandum of understanding in Tehran back in November to promote cooperation in greenhouse cultivation, genetic modification of crops, high-efficiency irrigation, food processing, marketing and distribution.
The Netherlands is the second-largest exporter of agricultural products after the United States. Agriculture accounts for 20% of the country’s €400 billion annual trade.