Private sector representatives of Iran and Mali, in a meeting in Bamako on Tuesday, discussed bilateral cooperation, highlighting the need for expansion of bilateral trade in West Africa.
Vice-President of Iran Chamber of Commerce, Industries, Mines, and Agriculture (ICCIMA) Hossein Selahvarzi has travelled to Mali as part of an Iranian delegation accompanying Foreign Minister Hossein Amirabdollahian in his African tour.
Speaking during a meeting with President of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Mali (CCIM) Youssouf Bathily, Selahvarzi said that the Islamic Republic of Iran is fully resolved to further expand economic cooperation with Africa.
Promotion of ties with Africa has always been high on the agenda of Iran’s economic development and foreign trade plans, the said, adding that the Iranian government and private sector are looking for ways to give a boost to interactions with different African countries.
He briefed the Malian side on Iran’s capabilities in different areas, noting that the country has many potentials in infrastructure, technical and engineering services, launching industrial production lines, cement industry, construction materials, mines, pharmaceuticals, medical equipment and agricultural machinery.
Selahvarzi also noted that the two sides can devise a barter trade mechanism for promotion of bilateral trade.