Iran-Brazil Economic Seminar in Sao Paulo

A seminar on the promotion of Iran-Brazil economic ties was held in the Brazilian city of Sao Paulo late last week. Iranian Chamber of Commerce, Industries, and Mines Chairman, Mohammad Nahavandian, Brazilian Development, Industry and Foreign Trade Minister Miguel Jorge, and state sector officials and businessman from the two countries attended the seminar, which focused on finding ways to facilitate banking cooperation between the two states.

Nahavandian was accompanied by officials from 65 state-run companies and institutions, making it the largest Iranian delegation ever dispatched to Brazil. “Iran and Brazil have not been greatly affected by the global economic crisis, and the lesson that should be learned is that the two countries should take a long-term and strategic view,” Nahavandian said. He emphasized the need to promote joint investments and expand bilateral relations, particularly in the transportation and tourism sectors, to boost Iran-Brazil trade.

Miguel Jorge pointed to the measures taken by the Iranian and the Brazilian governments to expand bilateral economic ties, adding that regularized and facilitated banking cooperation could greatly enhance the two countries’ cooperation. Nahavandian also held meetings with the Brazilian foreign minister, the deputy minister of development, industry, and foreign trade, and the deputy director of the Federation of Industries of Sao Paulo (FIESP).

Iran-Brazil trade amounted to US$2 billion in 2007, but experienced a 50% decline in 2008. - Tehran Times