The joint meeting of Isfahan Chamber of Commerce, Industries, Mines and Agriculture and Sepah Bank was held with the delegation of Sber Bank of Russia or Savings Bank of the Russian Federation as the largest bank in Russia and Eastern Europe, which is known as the third largest bank in Europe.
According to the public relations report of the Isfahan Chamber of Commerce, Hamidreza Omidan, the Secretary General of the Chamber of Commerce, stated that Iran and Russia have long-standing relations and stated: Currently, Iran and Russia have one thing in common, which is the cruel sanctions imposed against them.
He added: In Isfahan Chamber of Commerce, in the 10th term, by forming the investment commission, we have tried to redefine the financial market, money and capital, so that we can determine a path for the members to expand their business connections.
Secretary General of Isfahan Chamber of Commerce emphasized that Isfahan has unique opportunities for investment and is one of the ten most attractive tourist cities in the world, and stated: This meeting is organized by the Investment Commission of Isfahan Chamber of Commerce, Industries, Mines and Agriculture, Sepah Bank and Azbar Bank of Russia. We hope that good steps will be taken in line with the per capita income, welfare index and people's livelihood and good business relations will be defined.
Aazam Eatemad, Vice-Manager of International Affairs Bureau of Sepah Bank, said about Sepah Bank's cooperation with Russia's Sber Bank: Considering the strategic and diplomatic relations between Iran and Russia and the similar conditions of Russia in the international environment, Sepah Bank tried to establish brokerage relations in order to facilitate Exchanges with international banks.
He explained: As a result of Sepah Bank's decision, brokerage and banking relations were established with some international banks, and today we are serving the largest commercial bank in Russia as our partner, so that we can explain the capacities and potentials to the economic activists in the available business space.
Tabani, the branch manager of Bank Sepah in Isfahan province, regarding the presence of the Russian Bank Sber delegation in Isfahan, said: Russian Sber Bank is known as the largest bank in the world, and Sepah Bank is the first and largest Iranian bank, which has 225 branches and 2700 employees.
He mentioned about commercial interactions with international banks: After the cruel sanctions against Iran, good relations and interactions were established between Iran and Russia.
The Bank Sepah branch manager of Isfahan Province stated: Bank Sepah is the first Iranian bank that is active in the fields of economy, steel, knowledge-based, chemical industries, etc.
The Sepah Bank managers have tried to handle the problems related to the financial transactions by holding various meetings. Opening account by the economic activists with Sepah Bank will assist them through the connections it has about all foreign exchange services in a creditable and long-term manner so that positive steps can be taken according to the prevailing conditions.
Rustam Murataliev, head of the Iran desk at Sber Bank of Russia, said: This is not the first time that we have come to Iran and our relationship with Sepah Bank started a year ago. The aim of this trip is to visit a number of cities in Iran, including Isfahan and Shiraz, to get to know the trend of business of different cities. In this regard, according to the visits we have made, many Iranian companies have progressed in many fields.
He said: We should try to expand our relations in Iran with several banks, and now according to the relevant infrastructures that exist in Sepah Bank and Isfahan Chamber of Commerce, we are ready to do the necessary cooperation with industries to develop the relationship where we can have them to join us as new customer of Sber Bank.
Slashchilina Zhanna, expert of the Iran desk at Sber Bank, said: "Sber Bank is the first and largest bank in Russia, which is considered the strongest financial brand in the world, and at the same time, owns the most expensive registered Russian brands." This bank has the first place in the world in terms of profitability and is considered the best employer in the world. Also, this bank is a state bank with more than 180 years of age, and 51% of its shares owned by the government.
Stating that 107 million people are the customers of this bank in Russia, equaling more than 90% of the Russian population, he added: Also, 46% of the deposit market in Russia belongs to Sber Bank. This bank has 23 million customer companies, counting for 43% of all corporate customers.
The expert of the Iran desk in Sber Bbank, pointing out that Sber Bank 's total assets are valued at 556 billion dollars and it ranks 27th in the world with a market value of 69 billion dollars, said: Sber Bank has 13,600 branches with more than 380 subsidiaries. And it has 315,000 human resources and 42,000 specialists.
He clarified: Sber Bank sets a record in terms of net profit in 2023 and earned 4 billion dollars, the financial profit obtained last year is the best financial result of the banks in Russia, and this bank is also one of the largest and strongest technology companies. It is considered number one in the field of artificial intelligence, and as a technology bank, due to its facilities, it has been able to increase its profit growth by 10%.
Saeed Rajaee, Vice-President of Corporate Banking of Sepah Bank branches in Isfahan Province, also stated in this meeting: According to the guidance and assistance of the Russian Consulate General in Isfahan, the existing capacities in Isfahan Province have been briefly explained to the board of Sber Bank, but the necessary proposals must be presented for each department. Also, we will do our best to facilitate these collaborations as quickly as possible in support of the economic activists.
Pouyan Rahimi, Vice-Chairman of the Investment Commission of Isfahan Chamber of Commerce regarding the cooperation with Sber Bank, said: The economy of both countries is at the top of the agendas of this cooperation. I think we can take great steps in this direction in risk management, investment banking and financial consulting.
It should be mentioned that the Chamber's Investment Commission is planning to hold the largest investment event in Isfahan province in the coming December, which requires the presence of economic activists.