TEHRAN, Iran, March 12
Trend:
Deputy Minister of Industry Abbas Ghobadi said that the country's market regulation headquarters removed all formalities for importing items related to fighting the coronavirus spread, except for the technical approval of the Health Ministry, Trend reports via Mehr News Agency.
“The Ministry of Industry, Mine and Trade has provided a list of 17 companies for importing health-related products,” he said.
“However, in a separate announcement, we invited all companies, manufacturers and suppliers of sanitary and disinfectant items nationwide to import raw materials and commodities that are needed,” he said.
Ghobadi emphasized that companies' requests are being processed as soon as possible.
Referring to face mask production restrictions he said that the country's market regulation headquarters issued a decree prohibiting the export of this product on February 9.
“Fortunately, we have no shortage of essential commodities in any part of the country,” he said.
Iran is one of the countries heavily affected by the rapidly-spreading coronavirus. According to recent reports from the Iranian officials, over 9,000 people have been infected, 354 people have already died. Meanwhile, over 2,900 have reportedly recovered from the disease.
The country continues to apply strict measures to contain the further spread. Reportedly, the disease was brought to Iran by a businessman from Iran's Qom city, who went on a business trip to China, despite official warnings. The man died later from the disease.
Following the reports of coronavirus spread in the Islamic Republic, several countries have taken measures, including closing borders and banning flights.
The Islamic Republic only announced its first infections and deaths from the coronavirus on Feb. 19.