The specialized meeting of the members of the delegation of the Isfahan Chamber of Commerce with representatives of the Chambers of Commerce of African countries provided an opportunity to examine the commercial and economic potentials between Isfahan and Africa and to initiate extensive cooperation between the two sides. The meetings were ment to expand sustainable economic relations between Iran and some of the African states through signing of memorandums of understanding
Advice to business people to travel to Africa
Amir Keshani, the president of the Isfahan Chamber of Commerce, said in this specialized meeting: "The unique nature and hospitable people are among the outstanding features of Africa, an experience worth looking into, as I have. "
He added: "My proposal for economic cooperation between Iran and Africa is to use Iranian products in exchange for the African raw materials. In the field visits you have testified that, despite the strict sanctions, Iran has made significant progress in the production technology”.
Keshani emphasized: "I have a message for the honorable gusts and the participants to convey to the officials of your countries, and that is; Iran will not forget the friend nations who supported her through the hard times."
Iran's capabilities in agriculture and animal husbandry
Mohammad Jafar Foudeh, Vice President of the Isfahan Chamber of Commerce, stated at the meeting: Iran has high capacities in the agriculture and animal husbandry sectors, and this capability can form the basis for extensive cooperation with African countries.
Referring to the African trade delegation's visit to the milk factory in Isfahan, he said: "Iran's capabilities in this field were observed up close, and this experience provided an opportunity to further understand the country's capacities."
Foudeh emphasized that face-to-face meetings between delegations are a suitable platform for further discussions and exploring ways of cooperation, and can lead to the establishment of sustainable economic relations between Iran and Africa.
Africa's vast economic potential for trade with Iran
Masoud Brahman, chairman of the board of directors of the Iran-Africa Joint Chamber of Commerce, said at the meeting: "Africa can be Iran's first and most important market, and the economic potential of both sides requires more attention."
He added: "Experience in trading with more than 70 countries has shown that this continent should be at the top of Iran's trade priorities. There are vast economic opportunities between the two sides that have not yet been fully exploited. Iranians are seeking a win-win trade with mutual benefit in cooperation with Africa, and this approach has led to a positive view of Iran on the continent."
The importance of direct presence in African markets
Referring to the high level of China's trade interactions with Africa, Brahman said: "China has done $146 billion in trade with Africa in the past six months. This level of interaction requires direct presence in the African market, and such a volume of trade cannot be achieved remotely."
He emphasized: "The role of chambers of commerce in sending trade delegations is very important, and the Isfahan Chamber of Commerce's action in hosting African delegations is admirable. We hope that this meeting will pave the way for the development of sustainable economic cooperation between Iran and Africa."