Switzerland ready to boost economic ties with Iran: Swiss envoy

The Swiss ambassador to Iran said on Sunday that his country is ready to bolster economic and trade cooperation with the Islamic Republic, AVA Diplomatic reports.

“There are a lot of industrial capacities in Iran, which can be used to strengthen economic ties,” Markus Leitner said during a one-day visit to Iran’s central Markazi Province.

Leitner said his provincial visits are meant to get to know Iran’s capacities for better economic cooperation.

Manouchehr Tavvasoti, the head of the provincial chamber of commerce, said that Markazi is the first province to be chosen by the Swiss Embassy for exploring business opportunities, expressing the hope that the visit by Leitner would entail “valuable achievements”.

Tavvasoti added that the province is known for its handicraft, including carpets, and industrial products, some of which are being sold in Europe as famous trademarks.

“The products of the province meet international standards and can compete with the foreign-made ones.”

Iran’s imports from Switzerland were $545 million, while its exports to the country were $63 million in 2017.