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Value of Iran's non-oil exports up 93%

Iran Materials 20 July 2006 11:53 (UTC +04:00)

(IranMania) - The value of Iran's non-oil exports in the first three months of the current Iranian calendar year (started March 21, 2006) shows a boost of 93% compared compared with the figure in the same period in the previous year, an official said, according to an IRNA report.

A member of Iran's High Council for Exports, Mohammad-Reza Ramezani, told IRNA that exports of non-oil goods in the stated period hit US$ 3.377 bln, reports Trend.

He said that the export figure points to a 30% increase since President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad assumed office in August 2005.

He cited zinc and molybdenum, concentrated stones, plastic and copper products, handwoven carpets, oil and grease, ironware and steel and gas condensates as among the main non-oil exports whose destinations were mainly African states such as Morocco, Tunisia, Sudan and Egypt.

The official also stressed the importance of continuing the present rising trend in non-oil exports of the country through, among others, continuing support for exporters.

He predicted that non-oil exports would reach over 13 bln dollars in value by the end of the year.

Ramezani said that based on a decision of Iran's High Council for Exports, the Export Development Bank of Iran (EDBI) would allocate US$ 300 mln in credit facilities for export of goods and services to African states.

He added that the council has granted permission for Iranian companies to hold 20 exclusive exhibitions in African states next year and has allocated credit facilities of US$ 10 bln for this purpose.

He said Africa, comprising 54 states with a total population of 700 mln people, is one the world's biggest markets and has tremendous natural resources.

The official said that non-oil exports to African states is one of the priorities of Iranian economic policy considering the continent's great geographical position.

He said African countries import over US$ 38 bln worth of non-oil commodities worldwide annually but that currently Iran's share in the African market is less than US$ 20 mln.

He added that Africa is a good market for Iran's non-oil exports and stressed the importance of increasing these exports to countries of the continent.

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