Baku, Azerbaijan, Nov. 11
By Fatih Karimov – Trend:
Iran and EU will boost cooperation in food industry, Phil Hogan, the European Union Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development, said.
Hogan made the remarks during a meeting between a European delegation and Chamber of Commerce, Industries, Mines and Agriculture (TCCIMA) in Iran’s capital city Tehran Nov. 11, Iranian media outlets reported.
The EU official said that the two parties must establish a framework for boosting cooperation in various areas, including agriculture sector and food industry.
Hogan said the EU seeks to consolidate relations with Iran, adding that representatives of 40 companies from 19 European countries, enjoying very high potential for business cooperation, are present at the meeting.
"We want to provide a new ground for Iran-EU cooperation," he said, expressing hope that the negotiations will provide opportunities for new areas of cooperation.
There are good areas for cooperation in agriculture and food sectors, including dairy, meat, vegetables and chocolate with Iran, he said.
Hogan said the Europeans should get familiar with the investment capacities of Iran.
It is also necessary for European companies to know the laws and regulations of Iran, he said, adding that the parties need to trust to each other.
A high-ranking delegation headed by Hogan arrived in Tehran today as part of efforts to boost Tehran-EU relations in all areas.
The delegation comprises 70 members, including some officials from Directorate-General for Agriculture and Rural Development of the European Commission as well as representatives of some renowned companies from European countries.
The delegates discussed possible cooperation in joint investments, exports and imports, transfer of technology, and training courses in an economic forum hosted by TCCIMA's Committee for Agriculture, Water and Food Industries.