Senior business leaders from Iran and Brunei have called for the establishment of a joint chamber of commerce to deepen bilateral trade and investment ties, identifying tourism, health tourism, and information technology as priority areas for cooperation.
At a meeting between the presidents of the chambers of commerce of both countries, Samad Hassanzadeh, President of Iran Chamber of Commerce, Industries, Mines, and Agriculture, said Iran has strong capabilities to meet a range of market demands in Brunei, offering a solid foundation for enhanced private sector collaboration.
“Iran possesses significant expertise in food and agricultural industries, industrial machinery, petrochemicals, oil and gas, construction materials, and engineering services including infrastructure development, urban planning, and energy power plants,” Hassanzadeh said. He added that Iran’s strengths in medical services and tourism also provide promising grounds for joint ventures.
Highlighting Tehran’s broader strategy to expand economic relations globally, Hassanzadeh noted that the Iranian private sector has prioritized engagement with African and Asian nations. “The formation of a joint chamber with Brunei could lead to more coordinated and structured business relations,” he said.
Haji Abdul Saman bin Haji Ahmad, President of Brunei’s National Chamber of Commerce and Industry, echoed the sentiment, calling for closer cooperation to strengthen economic ties.
“Although Brunei is a small country, we have rich energy and petroleum resources. We see potential for technical and technological collaboration in the energy sector with Iran,” Ahmad stated. He also pointed to Brunei’s capacities in food and cosmetic products.
Ahmad said Brunei’s stable economy is open to foreign investment and expressed interest in cooperation in the fields of IT, tourism, and cultural and educational exchanges.
At the conclusion of the meeting, the two sides signed a cooperation document outlining plans for the exchange and dissemination of information, mutual visits by investment delegations, and the organization of joint business and investment events.
