Iranian businessmen, investors and economic activists met with a delegation from Iraqi province of Maysan in border customs venue of Mehran city and discussed ways to expand trade between the two provinces, IRNA reported.
In the meeting on Sunday, Deputy Governor General of Ilam province in Planning Affairs, by referring to former agreements with Iraqi side, expressed hope that the former agreements be followed up, so the Iranian activists have more participation in the Maysan province.
Heshmatollah Asgari said that expansion of trade with Iraq is among the priorities of the government and Mehran border is one of the most important border points in this connection.
Considering export of goods worth over 650 million dollars from the Mehran border point in the past seven months, the border has special importance in this concern.
Ilam private sector is looking for strong economic and trade connections with Iraq and province of Maysan, Asgari added.
Economic advisor of the Maysan governor general, for his part, expressed hope for activation of economic relations and said that Maysan province like Ilam intends to develop its private sector.
Kamel Hatam Chaloub said that Maysan governorate wants expansion of trade ties with Ilam province and if there is any obstacle in this way, we are ready to remove it.
He also expressed hope that the expansion of ties could be in other fields like culture, as well as social and academic affairs.
Director General of Ilam Customs Organization Khalil Haidari, as the next speaker in the meeting, said it is hoped that with the approval of a plan by the government to make Mehran Free Trade Zone, economic activists expand their activities here.