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Ambassadors

Swiss Ambassador to Tehran Emphasizes Bilateral Cooperation and Supports Swiss Companies in Iran

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Switzerland's new ambassador to Tehran, Olivier Bangerter, has outlined his key priorities during his tenure, emphasizing the need to increase bilateral cooperation and support Swiss companies operating in Iran. In a meeting with Samad Hassanzadeh, the head of Iran's Chamber of Commerce, Industries, Mines, and Agriculture (ICCIMA), Bangerter highlighted the importance of improving trade relations between the two countries. He noted that the current trade volume between Iran and Switzerland has increased in the past five years, but there are still challenges that need to be addressed, such as access to foreign exchange and intellectual property rights.

Key Takeaways:

  • Olivier Bangerter has identified improving bilateral cooperation as his top priority, with a focus on supporting Swiss companies operating in Iran.
  • Bangerter aims to enhance trade relations between Iran and Switzerland, building on the gradual increase in bilateral trade in the past five years.
  • The Swiss ambassador has highlighted the need to resolve challenges faced by Swiss companies in Iran, including access to foreign exchange for imports and intellectual property rights.
  • Samad Hassanzadeh has emphasized the potential for Iran and Switzerland to expand economic, scientific, and academic cooperation, particularly in sectors such as petrochemicals, medical and pharmaceutical industries.
  • Hassanzadeh has highlighted Iran's progress in advanced technologies and knowledge-based products, despite ongoing restrictions.
  • Free trade zones offer opportunities for Iranian and Swiss companies to establish joint ventures in non-sanctioned areas.

Statistics:

  • The trade volume between Iran and Switzerland has increased over the past five years.
  • There are currently challenges facing Swiss companies in Iran, including access to foreign exchange and intellectual property rights.
  • Iran has made progress in advanced technologies and knowledge-based products, including petrochemical and polymer products, medical and pharmaceutical industries.
  • The bilateral trade between Iran and Switzerland predates the sanctions era and has gradually increased in volume.

Sources:

  • IRNA (2023) - "Swiss ambassador: Improvement of Iran-Switzerland coop. my priority"
  • Iranian Chamber of Commerce, Industries, Mines, and Agriculture (no date) - "Head of Iranian Chamber of Commerce: Iran has potential to develop relations with Switzerland"

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