TEHRAN, Iran, Aug.6
Trend:
Iran and Venezuela have the possibility to barter commodities, former Iranian Ambassador in Venezuela Ahmad Sobhani told Trend in an interview.
"Venezuela traditionally imports goods and exports oil and gasoline, but currently, the country is facing sanctions. The country is not ready to export agriculture products; however, Venezuela can export alumina powder, wood and metal," Sobhani said. "Thus, Venezuela can barter alumina powder, bauxite, wood, and gold and mineral materials with Iran."
"There are big cement and aluminum cable factories in Venezuela, and Iran can import their products. Meanwhile, small businesses could also import coffee and cacao from Venezuela," he added.
He went on to say: "Furthermore, Iran can import scrap metal and rebar from Venezuela, if the trade leans toward public trades, and the barter plan is being considered."
"Venezuela seeks to survive, and the country is the land of opportunity; they have fresh water and can cultivate more than they need, so the country can export the surplus, but their structures are formed for import," he said. "Venezuela's current agenda is to develop production, and we can establish joint companies and help them launch factories."
"The US has sanctioned Iran's aluminum sector, and Venezuela is rich with aluminum, so Iran can help produce it in, and import from Venezuela, and this will bring profit," Sobhani said.
"There are many ways for money transaction in trade with Venezuela and there are businessmen willing to pay for goods imported from Iran. Some businessmen in Venezuela purchase goods from Dubai, and then Iran delivers the cargo to them," he noted.
"Establishment of Etka chain store in Caracas was a big success, and other Iranian companies can follow this path," said Sobhani.
The first Iranian chain store in Caracas, Venezuela, was set up by Etka organization. It is planned to sell 2,500 types of Iranian merchandise in the country.