State Secretary at the Ministry of Economic Development and Technology Aleš Cantarutti said that the existing foundation for cooperation between the two countries was excellent, which is why the Ministry of Economic Development and Technology decided to provide companies with political, state and financial support. For their operation in the first two years, which are the most cost-demanding for companies entering the market, the ministry will provide funds through the SPIRIT Slovenia – Public Agency for Entrepreneurship, Internationalization, Foreign Investments and Technology.
Cantarutti believes that forming the commission was an important step towards strengthening cooperative ties with Iran and supporting Slovenian as well as Iranian companies in creating successful partnerships and new opportunities. Both countries agreed that the joint commission for energy will contribute to the establishment of intergovernmental commission for economic cooperation which will cover other areas as well.
The representative of the Iranian Energy Ministry Gholamali Karaminia explained that Slovenia and Iran have already defined long-term energy programmes, the objectives of which can only be achieved through cooperation. He also expressed a belief that forming the energy commission was an important step towards strengthening the relations between Iran and Slovenia in other economic fields as well. He emphasized his view of Slovenia as a trustworthy partner.
After the session, Slovenia an Iran signed a protocol, which covers all activities that will be carried out until the end of the year and concrete projects that have already been launched or planned. These include projects in the areas of energy measurement and modernization of transformer substations, in which Slovenian companies will work together with local Iranian partners. A broad knowledge possessed by Slovenian companies will also enable the cooperation between both countries in the fields related to the construction of hydro power plants and distribution and transmission network upgrades.