African countries have enormous potential to become alternative partners of Iran that needs to expand global relations to withstand the impact of strict sanctions imposed by the United States, several lawmakers pointed out.
After pulling out of the 2015 nuclear deal between Iran and six world powers in May, the US not only reimposed sanctions against Iran, but also threatened to punish the countries that continue doing business with Iran.
"This is likely to compel some countries to avoid establishing or maintaining trade ties with Iran due to their alignment with the US or their fear of its threats," Taqi Kabiri, a member of Majlis Economic Commission, noted in a recent talk with ICANA.
"Therefore, it is essential to develop strategic bilateral and multilateral economic relations with various countries, including Africa, so as to sustain exports and keep the country's economy afloat," he said.
Africa, according to him, is a lucrative market and many of its capacities have remained untapped.
"Huge oil resources in countries like Nigeria, Equatorial Guinea, Sudan and even Angola, as well as enormous reserves of precious minerals lend a special feature to this continent, which can provide great motivation for investment," he said, citing Iran's extensive expertise in oil extraction and mining.
In terms of agriculture, dry African countries that have the required wealth but lack conditions for farming will definitely be customers for Iran's quality crops, the lawmaker added, stressing that this market should not be overlooked by Iranian authorities as it can help revitalize the country's economy that is strained by sanctions.
Kabiri urged the Foreign Ministry to devise more precise plans for promoting greater interaction with African countries and identify investment opportunities in cooperation with Iran's Chamber of Commerce.
> Huge Capacities
Qasem Jasemi, a member of Majlis National Security and Foreign Policy Commission, also highlighted Africa's huge capacities for investment, as it houses one-seventh of the world's population.
"Africa's 61 states are 61 markets for business activity and generation of foreign exchange revenues, especially since most of them are rich in resources such as gold and oil, and still have great room for development," he said in a recent interview with the parliament's news website.
"Iran can share its advanced know-how with these countries in such fields as engineering, dam construction, agriculture and information technology, making way for the inflow of foreign exchange earnings."
Jasemi called on the Economic Department of Iran's Foreign Ministry to focus efforts on this continent and identify potential target markets.
He also suggested forming high-level private-sector economic delegations and sending them for negotiations through diplomatic channels.
Jalal Mirzaei, another lawmaker, underlined the need to strengthen political ties with African countries, as well as economic relations.
"We can take advantage of their views in international assemblies and they can defend Iran's positions," he said.
Mirzaei said it is essential to have specific plans for each African state and classify them according to their capacities in political, economic and cultural sectors.
