Azerbaijan, Baku, Oct. 15 /Trend, A.Gurbanova/
Iran can not offer a loan to Belarus and the only investment would be for Iranian businessmen working in Belarus, IRNA reported quoting Economy Minister Shamsoldin Hossini as saying.
"If the Islamic Republic wants to give a loan to another country, the Parliament should approve it," he said.
He noted due to increasing trade turnover between Iran and Belarus, the Islamic Republic offers a loan from Saderat Bank to Iranian producers and exporters.
The financial aid is for Iranian investors and support of Iran's economy activities in Belarus, he added.
Previously BELTA quoted chairwoman of the Belarusian National Bank's Board Nadejda Yermakova as saying at the 7th session of the Republican Council. Minsk and Tehran are discussing approval of a $400-million loan by Iran, Yermakova noted that Iran has made a principle decision to allocate the loan.
Trade turnover between Iran and Belarus hit $54.28 billion in the first half of the current Iranian calendar year (started on March 21, 2011), Iranian Commercial Attaché in Belarus Akbar Baqeri Loyeh said in August. The figure increased by 37 percent compared to the previous year, he added.
The official said Iran is currently involved in carrying out several important projects in Belarus which accounted for the balance of the total trade, including Iranian imports from Belarus.