TEHRAN,Iran, May 5
Trend:
Iran is ready to export some 10 percent of its products that are related to fighting the coronavirus disease, said an official within the Vice-Presidency for Science and Technology under the Presidency of the Islamic Republic of Iran Mehdi Ghalenoei, trend reports citing IRNA.
"The knowledge-based companies have the capacity to produce medical equipment and testing kits and currently there are some kits that are suited for export. But due to high domestic consumption, the Health Ministry still hasn't decided how much it needs and how much should be exported," he said.
"One of the knowledge based companies have received permit for export, while some of these kits are stored as surplus for domestic use, and could be exported," said the official.
Ghalenoei said that 10 countries have sent letters to Iran, saing they require the coronavirus test kits, so this export from Iran is underway, as the Health Ministry has confirmed it.
"We have received requests from the European countries, India and Oman. The exports will start if the domestic demand is fully met," he said.
Iran continues to monitor the coronavirus situation in the country. According to recent reports from the Iranian officials, over 99,900 people have been infected 6,340 people have already died. Meanwhile, over 80,400 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.
The Islamic Republic only announced its first infections and deaths from the coronavirus on Feb. 19.
The outbreak in the Chinese city of Wuhan - which is an international transport hub - began at a fish market in late December 2019.
The World Health Organization (WHO) on March 11 declared COVID-19 a pandemic. Some sources claim the coronavirus outbreak started as early as November 2019.