China top among Iran’s trade partners
China, the UAE, Turkey, Germany and India are the top exporters to Iran, accounting for over 50 percent of the country’s imports, according to the data released by the Islamic Republic of Iran Customs Administration.
Iran’s five top trade partners supplied 57 percent of the goods that entered the country through its customs checkpoints in the 10 months from March 21, 2018-January 20, 2019, reported Fars News Agency.
China exported goods worth $8.9 billion to Iran during the 10-month period to become the top exporter to Iran.
Apart from China, Iran mainly imported goods from the UAE ($5.45 billion), Turkey ($2.038 billion), Germany ($2.018 billion) and India ($1.928 billion).
Last month, Iran’s Economy Minister Farhad Dejpasand said that Iran’s non-oil exports had increased over the past ten months.
Addressing a gathering of business persons and investors from Hormuzgan Province, the minister said the enemies were unable to bring Iran’s oil exports down to zero, and the oil sales continue as before.
Underlining the need for using capacities of the free zones, he added that profits from the zones should be injected to the national economy.
Referring to the positive trade balance of $900 million in the year from March 21, 2018, he said, “This has not taken place because of a decline in imports; rather due to increase in exports.”
Describing smuggling as the major challenge facing local investors and producers, Dejpasand added that smuggling deals heavy blows to the economy.
“To counter smuggling, we are trying to help customs houses to use modern technologies,” he said.
Elsewhere in his speech, the minister said that one of the golden opportunities in Hormuzgan is attracting foreign investments which should be used optimally.
Hormuzgan Province boasts numerous economic capabilities, as it can turn into the country’s economic hub, he said.