Alireza Yavari, the deputy for international affairs of Iran Chamber of Commerce, and Philippine Ambassador to Iran Roberto G. Manalo, in a meeting in Tehran on Sunday discussed a wide range of issues including tourism cooperation.
More cooperation on food industry, fisheries and seafood, nuts and dried fruits, medical herbs, agriculture, auto-making, medical equipment, as well as oil, gas and petrochemical products were among other issues discussed by the two sides.
Yavari said that Iran’s tourism industry has always been inclined to East Asian countries. He however noted that lack of knowledge about the Philippines’ tourism attractions has always been hindering Iranians from making visits to the country.
He said the Iran Chamber of Commerce is ready to accept trade delegations from the Philippines and dispatch delegations to the country.
Yavari believed that holding online meetings between the chambers of commerce of both countries can facilitate visits to Tehran and Manila by trade delegations.
Noting that Iran and the Philippines can make joint investment on non-sanctioned areas, he said that food and agricultural industries, pharmaceuticals and medical equipment as well as telecommunications are among areas for further cooperation of both countries.
The Filipino ambassador, for his part, underlined the need for facilitating travels between Iran and the Philippines and said that the lack of a direct flight is a main factor impeding the active presence of the Philippine businesspeople in Iran and is a main obstacle to the growth of tourism.
Ambassador Manalo said that smart cities are emerging in the Philippines which provide the Iranian businesspersons with a proper chance for investment in the country.
During a 1995 visit to Tehran by the Philippine president, an agreement was signed between the chambers of commerce of the two countries and the two sides agreed on launching a joint trade council later in 2003, the ambassador said.
He voiced the readiness of the Philippine embassy in Tehran to host a trade conference to help facilitate trade between the two countries and make businesspeople on both sides get more familiar with each other.