According to the Isfahan Chamber of Commerce's public relations report, the president and members of the board of representatives of the Isfahan Chamber of Commerce met with the Australian Ambassador to Iran. In the meeting, the commercial, scientific and economic capacities between the two countries were reviewed, and the importance of sustainable interactions and expanding trade relations was emphasized.
The Challenge of Sanctions and Its Impact on Economic Relations
Amir Keshani, President of the Isfahan Chamber of Commerce, referred to the impact of sanctions on Iran-Australia trade relations and stated:
The Iranian people will survive the hardship and make success, but they expect the governments who respect human dignity to stand for them against sanctions. Sanctions are great pressures to the people, and the economic pressures are preventive measures to growth and progress.
The Iranian people, our friends, do not forget their difficult times and expect this issue to be taken into account in international interactions.
Referring to the economic potential of Isfahan, he added: "I hope your presence in this city will provide a good opportunity to get acquainted with the commercial and industrial capabilities of the region. Iran and Australia can have sustainable cooperation in various fields, including trade, tourism, and scientific exchanges."
Business Cooperation in the Field of Animal Husbandry and Dairy Products
Mohammad Jafar Foudeh, Vice President of the Isfahan Chamber of Commerce, referring to Iran's capacities in the field of animal husbandry, stated: Iran has made significant progress in the heavy livestock sector.
The quality of the country's milk stands at a global level. We hope that direct connections between traders from the two countries will be strengthened so that we can expand economic interactions without intermediaries.
Tourism Opportunities and Economic Development of Isfahan
Ian McKenville, Australian Ambassador to Iran, expressed his pleasure at being in Isfahan, calling the city one of the most beautiful and historic regions of Iran and said:
I am very happy to visit Isfahan. The Zayandeh River has a view that can be compared to the Seine River in Paris. On my previous visit in 2017, I saw the river bed was dry, but now the flowing river, albeit temporary, has revived happy memories of the past.
Referring to the status of trade relations between Iran and Australia, he stated: "Trade relations between the two countries are at an average level and have declined in recent years, but Isfahan has great potential for developing cooperation. This city has great economic and industrial capacities that can be of interest to Australian investors and businessmen."
Scientific cooperation and knowledge exchange between the two countries
McConville also pointed to the scientific capacity available in Iran, adding: "In the past, many Iranian students have studied at doctoral levels in Australian universities."
Now some of them have returned to Iran and are engaged in scientific activities at the University of Isfahan. This exchange of knowledge is one of the valuable opportunities for expanding scientific cooperation between the two countries.
The Impact of Sanctions and Strategies for Developing Economic Relations
Referring to sanctions and their impact on economic interactions, the Australian ambassador said: "Sanctions are the challenge that concerns us. International negotiations can bring about changes that will lead to improved economic relations between the two countries."
He also pointed out the high level of medical services in Iran and stated: "The quality of medicine in Iran is very high and specialized surgeries are performed at a world-class level. Some people from different countries travel to Iran to have medical treatments, which shows the competency of Iranian practitioners."
Following the meeting session, the Australian Ambassador and his entourage visited several exemplary manufacturing and industrial units in Isfahan Province. The purpose of these visits was to familiarize themselves with the industrial capabilities of Isfahan Province and to explore the possibilities of technical and commercial cooperation between Iran and Australia.