On February 5, the delegation from the Mangystau region to Mazandaran province in Iran met with forty local businesses and discussed the development of trade and the opening of joint ventures between the two countries, QazMonitor reports citing the press service of the Mangystau region.
Ali Taghipour, the Director of Mazandaran Chamber of Commerce Industries, Mines & Agriculture, said that the Iranian side is considering opening a representative office in Aktau, which will serve as the foundation for the development of bilateral cooperation in seaport management, railroad, and air communication.
In turn, Kanat Kulzhanov, the Deputy Head of the Mangystau region, suggested opening a representative office of the Chamber of International Commerce of Kazakhstan in Mazandaran province.
“The trade turnover between Mangystau and Iran reached about ₸50 million (as of February 6, 2024, $109,678), of which the import is 94%, while the export to Iran is 5%. We mainly import food products, vegetables, and fruits, as well as construction materials,” said Kulzhanov, adding, “It should be noted that the volume of vegetable and fruit supplies from Iran is still small, and we are interested in importing citrus fruits. If the price is acceptable, they will be able to take on a market across Mangystau and Kazakhstan.”
The Iranian side intends to export fruit, kiwi, tea, medicinal herbs, construction materials, and fish products to the Mangystau region. Local businesses are also ready to open joint ventures with Kazakhstan. Currently, 58 joint Kazakh-Iranian companies operate in the Mangystau region, and the Mazanderani businesses are planning a working trip to the region.
Following the meeting, the sides agreed to simplify customs procedures, especially in transportation and money transfers.
