The Krasnodar Territory’s trade turnover with Iran increased by 50 percent last year

Vice-Governor Alexander Ruppel spoke about the region’s cooperation with the Islamic Republic at the session «Russia-Iran: Expanding Opportunities» in Moscow.

The session is part of the business program of the Made in Russia International Export Forum. It was attended by Kazem Jalali, Ambassador of the Islamic Republic of Iran to the Russian Federation, Mehdi Sadeghi-Niaraki, First Vice President of the Tehran Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Syed Amir Bukhari, CEO of the Export Guarantee Fund of Iran (EGFI), representatives of the Russian Export Center, Ministry of Economic Development of Russia, regions and major companies. Vice-Governor Alexander Ruppel represented the Krasnodar Territory.

The participants of the session discussed the prospects for the development of trade and economic relations between Russia and Iran, state support for business, including insurance and credit and guarantee, investment cooperation, optimization of logistics and the development of transit through Iran to third countries, as well as the interaction of the customs authorities of the two countries.

«Iran, as an economic partner of Russia, plays different roles. For example, in industrial cooperation, we have great potential in aircraft and automobile manufacturing, oil and gas sector and construction. Iran is also a significant logistical partner for the formation of alternative ways of goods transportation,» said Dmitry Prokhorenko, moderator of the session, Director for Development of Foreign Network of the Russian Export Center Group.

Alexander Ruppel spoke about the region’s interaction with Iranian provinces and businesses. This summer, the Krasnodar Territory has taken part in the 30th Iran Agrofood 2023 exhibition for the first time. 13 regional companies showcased their capacities and products, and agreements turned into contracts.

«We held about 100 meetings with Iranian companies at the exhibition and signed supply contracts worth more than 30 million rubles. Negotiations are underway on the supply of confectionery and corrugated cardboard. In addition, we visited the Qeshm Free Economic Zone, met with its president, and held a number of negotiations in Tehran, including with the government of Khorasan Razavi Province,» added Alexander Ruppel.

As he suggests, the region now sees the greatest potential for cooperation with Iran in three areas. These are, first of all, agriculture, including import of products that are not produced in the region — dates, citrus fruits, tropical fruits, and nuts.

«As for exports – now 80 percent of our supplies to Iran are cereals. But we would like to increase exports of processed food — flour, cereals, products. This year, by the way, we started supplying vegetable oil for the first time, and now it is about 12 percent of the total exports. And there is a great potential for growth here,» confirmed the deputy head of the region.

He called tourism another promising area of cooperation. Here, a big step forward would be the renewal of direct air flights Tehran – Sochi – Tehran.

«Seven of our companies are on the list of tour operators who can host Iranian tourists and send Russian tourists to Iran without visas as part of tour groups. There is a simplified procedure for crossing the border — an electronic visa, issued in Sochi for independent tourists from Iran. We have both tour programs, and we can offer special menus in restaurants. Now we are forming turnkey tour packages, which include air travel, transfers, accommodation and tour guide services,» added Alexander Ruppel.

In the industrial sector, the Vice-Governor mentioned small aviation, repair of foreign-made aircraft engines, and oilfield services as promising areas for cooperation. Alexander Ruppel emphasized that the Krasnodar Territory is always open to dialogue and mutually beneficial cooperation.

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The Made in Russia International Export Forum, organized by the Russian Export Center (part of VEB.RF, a Russian national economic development institution), is being held for the 11th time this year. The program comprises more than 30 business events, as well as an award ceremony for the winners of the All-Russian contest The Exporter of the Year. Representatives of the largest Russian and foreign companies, federal and regional authorities, banks, export support centers, profile associations and associations take part in the main export forum of the country.