Iranian official calls for partnership with Portugal on investment

Tehran, May 10, IRNA -- Deputy minister of finance and economic affairs called for development of economic ties between Iran and Portugal.

In a meeting with an economic and trade delegation from Portugal, Behrouz Alishiri underlined capacity for Tehran-Lisbon economic cooperation and said that profound reforms are underway at various sections of the Iranian economy to attract foreign investment.

Now a golden opportunity has emerged for the Portuguese firms to develop partnership with Iranians in investment projects, he said.

Referring to the general policies of Article 44 of the Constitution, Alishiri recalled that some 315 state-run companies have been ceded to the private sector during the past four years, and that the government prepares the ground for active presence of the private sector in the economic field.

Despite the economic crisis in the world and 30 percent decrease in the international investment, 60 percent increase in foreign investment in Iran indicates economic benefits in Iranian market, the head of Iran’s Investment and Economic and Technical Assistance Organization said.

He said that the Islamic Republic of Iran is willing to develop economic cooperation with Portugal.

President of Portuguese Chamber of Commerce Antonio Bakush said that the Seminar on Iran’s Investment Opportunities held in Portugal helped the private sector get acquainted with benefits of investment in Iran.

Portugal is a country located in southwestern Europe on the Iberian Peninsula. Portugal is the westernmost country of Europe and is bordered by the Atlantic Ocean to the west and south and by Spain to the north and east. The Atlantic archipelagos of the Azores and Madeira are also part of Portugal./end