TEHRAN, Iran, June 25
Trend:
Consul General of the Islamic Republic of Iran in Aktau Habibollah Malakoutifar assessed Iran`s cooperation with Kazakhstan, Trend reports via Fars News Agency.
He noted that despite restrictions, Iran's trade with Kazakhstan hasn't stopped.
Referring to the impact of COVID-19 on the mutual relations, he said that the coronavirus has forced many joint activities and plans to be delayed.
“We were going to hold two joint economic and cultural exhibitions in Golestan, Mazandaran and Gilan provinces, but unfortunately couldn't due to COVID-19," he said.
Malakoutifar went on to say that Iran and Kazakhstan exchanged several academic trips, and there was also a nanotechnology-related project, which was put on hold due to COVID-19.
Meanwhile, the official said the shipping between the two countries continues despite COVID-19.
“Iran`s exports increased by 37 percent during this period,” he said. “Iran's main export items to Kazakhstan are construction materials - cement, stone, ceramics, tiles, bricks, various types of building blocks, etc.”
In addition, he said that another of Iran's important export items to Aktau are agricultural products.
Malakoutifar also noted that Iran is working to export its technical engineering services to Kazakhstan.
"Variety in exports is on our agenda, and now dairy products and detergents are entering the market, and in small quantities, clothes are also imported in small quantities," he said.
The most important import items from Kazakhstan to Iran are grains, livestock production inputs, minerals and coal, he said.
He said that almost all of these items are exchanged via sea, partly by rail from Turkmenistan.