Polish economic mission to Iran

The key items on Piechociński’s agenda include a meeting with his counterpart Masoumeh Ebtekar and the inauguration of the Polish-Iranian Business Forum, organized by the Iran Chamber of Commerce, Industries, Mines and Agriculture.

The Polish official is accompanied by a host of business delegates representing the automotive industry, energy industry, construction and mining. The 60-strong group is scheduled to attend trade panels on bilateral collaboration.

Meanwhile, as the economy minister underlined ahead of the trip, the key area of interest to Poland is the food sector. “We estimate that, despite an unfavourable climate for Polish exporters, exports will exceed EU 25 bn,” he said, adding that over 80 percent of food products in Iran are imported from other countries.

The business trip is also to pave the way for a permanent platform for future economic contacts and consultations between Warsaw and Tehran, as Piechociński is to sign an agreement on the foundation of an intergovernmental Polish-Iranian committee.

Over the next three days, Piechociński will discuss tightening trade links with Petroleum Minister Bijan Namdar Zangeneh, Minister for Transport Abbas Ahmad Akhoundi, alongside the heads of finance and healthcare.

The visit is part of Poland’s Go Iran programme aimed at boosting trade with that country, after Iran agreed to curtail its nuclear programme in exchange for easing economic sanctions imposed by the international community over nearly a decade.

In the first six months of 2015, Poland’s exports to Iran reached EUR 18.5 mln, imports – EUR 14.2 mln. (aba/rk)