Within the context of the current Luxembourg trade mission to the Islamic Republic of Iran led by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Economy, Etienne Schneider, the official delegation met up on Monday 17 October 2016 in Tehran to meet the Vice President of Science and Technology, Sorena Sattari, and the Minister of Economy and Finance, Ali Tayebnia.
The talks focused mainly on the diversification policies of the two countries, which share common characteristics in the area of ecotech and biotechnology, FinTech and ICT. The Iranian authorities have expressed their desire to find international partners in the field of R&D in these areas to reduce in the medium and long term their dependence on exports of fossil fuels.
After the meetings, Minister Schneider was able to identify the potential for economic cooperation between Luxembourg and Iran: "We are in the early stages of discussions to advance bilateral relations between Luxembourg and Iran. Already, I recognise three areas of potential economic cooperation between our two countries: first, the sharing of research skills and innovation at universities and incubators. Then allow Luxembourg companies to express their interest for possible joint ventures with local economic players. Finally, identify the opportunities that the Iranian economy could present for Luxembourg investment funds."
The first day of the trade mission in Iran ended with a meeting between Minister Schneider and the governor of the Iranian Central Bank, Valiollah Seif.
The trade mission will continue on Tuesday 18 October with an economic seminar in Tehran led by the Luxembourg Chamber of Commerce, in collaboration with local partners.
Photo by MECO (L-R): Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Trade, Étienne Schneider; Sorena Sattari, Iran's Vice President of Science and Technology
