Date : 03/06/2003
Iran seeks big share in Afghanistans market
ISLAMABAD, June 3 (KUNA)- A visiting Iranian official has sought the Kabul
governments cooperation to give Iranian merchants and industrialists a bigger
share in Afghanistan's market.
"Iran is ready to invest in Afghanistan's economic and industrial fields if
Afghanistan lifts obstacles in the way of business and provides the required
facilities and guarantees, the Administrative and Financial Affairs Deputy of
the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Morteza Bank said in a meeting with the Afghan
Foreign Minister Dr. Abdullah, an official from Kabul, Afghanistan told KUNA
Tuesday.
The official said, the Iranian deputy Foreign Minister in a meeting also
referred to the ongoing Islamic Republic of Iran Exclusive Trade Fair, which
opened here on May 27, calling it "an appropriate opportunity for promoting
trade and business relations between the two countries,"
Over 140 firms are participating in the fair, which is to run until June 12;
official said adding, Bank has asked the Afghan transitional government to
facilitate greater entry of Iranian firms and manufacturers by allowing them
to participate in tenders announced by President Karzai 's cabinet.
Referring to the long history of broad and strategic relations between the
two countries, official said, the Iranian deputy foreign minister expressed
delight
over the restoration of peace and stability in Afghanistan after over two
decades of foreign and civil wars.
Bank has also announced Iran's willingness to take a greater share in the
reconstruction process in Afghanistan.
The Afghan transitional government's Foreign Minister said he is optimistic
Iran's exclusive trade and industrial fair would go long way in boosting
business
and trade ties between the two neighboring countries.(end)
amn.kf
KUNA 031402 Jun 03NNNN