The members of the Board of Directors and Representatives of Isfahan Chamber of Commerce met with the Spanish ambassador to Iran seeking the expansion of the interaction and trade between Isfahan and Spanish cities.
Angel Losada Fernandez, the Spanish ambassador to Iran, stated: In the past years, due to some diplomatic issues and tensions that existed, the relations between the two countries had deteriorated to a great extent, but fortunately diplomatic relations between countries are being strengthened as the problems have been resolved, and the current Spanish government is emphasizing on strengthening bilateral relations. Iran-Spain joint Chamber of Commerce has a good capacity to expand cooperation, and its capabilities can be utilized more.
Amir Keshani, the president of Isfahan Chamber of Commerce, said in this meeting: According to historical documents, the history of Isfahan's relation with Spain goes back to the Safavid era (16th Century A.D.), and this indicates a long-term relationship between the two nations. In Isfahan, the followers of the four divine religions have coexisted for many years, and no tension has been recorded among them throughout history. That is why Isfahan is called the Middle East city of peace. Isfahan holds the first place in the country in many cultural and industrial field including textiles, steel, carpets and gold.
He further added: Despite all the sanctions, we have maintained our trade relationship with Spain and we are confident that the sanctions will be lifted and the people of Iran will not forget the countries that stood by them in difficult situations. It is possible to provide trade between Isfahan and Spanish cities by setting up various economic desks. Also, Iran-Spain Joint Chamber of Commerce is a suitable base for expanding trade in between and should be benefited from more actively.
Sayed Vahid Dezfouli, head of the Commission of Agriculture and Related Industries and member of Isfahan Chamber of Commerce's Board of Representatives, also stated: Europe has nothing to say without Spain in the field of agriculture. Despite the recent droughts, Iran has an annual production of 105 million tons of agricultural products, but there is a need to exchange agricultural technologies, equipment and knowhow between the two countries through bilateral cooperation, which is beneficial to both countries.
Mostafa Dolatyar, the director of the representative office of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Isfahan province, also stated: The first step and the most important step in expanding business interactions and exchanges between Isfahan and Spanish cities is to establish a relationship between the commercial and economic adviser of the Spanish Embassy and the Isfahan Chamber of Commerce. The Isfahan Chamber representatives are among the successful businessmen and managers of Isfahan in various fields who can be very effective in promoting the commercial and economic goals of the two countries.