A memorandum on economic cooperation was also signed, which provides an opportunity for both countries to work on concrete projects. In addition, an Iranian-Slovenian business forum took place in Tehran, where Počivalšek highlighted the successful cooperation between the countries in the past and said that the goal was to reach the 2011 trade levels again, when bilateral trade totalled almost 100 million euros.
Areas with considerable possibilities for strengthening relations include infrastructure and logistics, with a focus on the Port of Koper, which is an ideal entry and exit point for Iran’s trade in Europe. The port enables the companies to set up their logistics and distribution centres, and opportunities for cooperation in vehicle transport, in which the port specialises and is considered to be among the most technologically advanced facilities in this respect.
With Iran being one of the most powerfully countries in the region in economic and political terms, which is also a door to the countries of Central Asia and the Caucasus and is crossed by many transport routes to the West, Počivavšek sees cooperation as a great opportunity for Slovenian businesses, particularly for planning more complex buildings, roads and residential facilities.
Among other areas with potential for successful cooperation, Počivalšek mentioned agriculture, energy, pharmaceuticals, electrical industry, automobile industry, furniture industry, ICT, nano- and biotechnology, transport and tourism. He expressed the hope that companies in both countries would not only see opportunities for trading services and goods, but also for investment.
According to the minister, the visit of Slovenia’s business delegation to Tehran provides an excellent basis for restoring and building up trust with Iran. He also expressed satisfaction over Slovenian companies Riko, Duol, Iskratel and Comita opening joint offices, and added that their presence in Iran is also a new asset for Iranian companies.