http://www2.irna.ir/en/news/view/menu-237/0712234150101452.htm
*Ansari: Iran-Russia transactions doubled in 1st 3 Qs of 2007 * Iran's ambassador to *Russia* Gholam-Reza Ansari says volume of Iran-Russia commercial transactions doubled in the first three quarters of 2007 compared to the corresponding period in 2006, reaching dlrs 2.4 billion. Speaking in an exclusive interview with IRNA, Ansari said the important point is that volume of Iran's exports to Russia doubled in the period. "We hope the new strategy in bilateral relations will adjust the trade balance," he added. The official said the two countries have very high capacity for raising volume of mutual commercial and economic transactions and Russia is a lucrative market for Iranian goods. "For instance, in Russia there is about 2,500 demands for Iranian car, Samand, every month. But, due to transportation facility shortage and limited domestic production, it is now possible to supply 1,000 to 1,200 of such cars to the market," he added. He said that an active banking system, marine and road transportation facilities and insurance would help raise volume of mutual transactions. In that case, he added, Russian market can absorb considerable portion of Iranian construction materials, garments, shoes, dried fruits and carpets. The diplomat said Russia is in need of technical and engineering services, reconstruction of firms and development and construction projects. So, he noted, they require Iran's partnership in construction of cement, glass, and construction materials plants. He said Iran is capable enough in the fields of building, road and dam construction. They are among suitable grounds for mutual cooperation, he noted. The diplomat also called for elimination of custom barriers, nauguration of Iranian banks in Russia, establishment of transportation infrastructure, the North-South corridor and connection of the Qazvin-Rasht-Asrata tract with Azerbaijan to facilitate imports and exports. Insurance is also an important means for expansion of mutual cooperation, he added. [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
