Business as usual after 20 years; A German delegation is in Iran

Ebtekar newspaper on December 8 reported that a German trade delegation, which is in Iran for mutual consultation, has entered direct talks with Iranian officials. The following is the translation of the report:

The German delegation, which is in Iran after 20 years, opened direct talks with Iranian businessmen in Iran’s Chamber of Commerce, Industries and Mines (ICCIM).

Since last year when the Geneva talks got underway [over Iran’s nuclear program], different trade delegations have come to Iran to size up investment opportunities in the country. The trip by the German delegation comes after a visit by a French group.

The German team is comprised of the representatives of 29 companies and 34 tradesmen together with the heads of the German Near and Middle East Association (NUMOV) which has played a key role in Germany’s trade ties over the past 80 years.

According to Burkhard Dahmen, an NUMOV vice president, the business team intends to assess Iran’s investment opportunities in the areas of transportation, machinery, foodstuff and technology.

Management of water resources is another issue the Germans are to exchange information with Iranian officials about.

Dahmen also said that the Iranians have positive views of the Germans and we hope we can encourage politicians [on both sides] to explore the ways of enhancing relations.

The German delegation will continue its meetings in Tehran until Tuesday December 9, and has on its agenda plans to meet with Minister of Agriculture Mahmoud Hojjati and Minister of Industry, Mines and Trade Mohammad-Reza Nematzadeh.

[Footer: The German Near and Middle East Association is Germany’s oldest and largest non-profit and independent service provider for the Near and Middle East region. NUMOV supports bilateral business activities between Germany and the Near and Middle East (the Arab countries, together with Afghanistan, Cyprus, Iran, Israel, Pakistan and Turkey). By organizing seminars, conferences and business delegations, it encourages member companies to develop their business activities in the region.]