Iran: Russia top investment priority

Parliament Speaker Ali Larijani said on Thursday that the country attaches a great significance to its relations with Russia, stressing that Russia will be prioritized in any industry it wants to invest in the Islamic Republic.

"It is simple to invest in Iran considering that the energy (sector) and human resources are already available. That is why European entrepreneurs come to us, start their projects," Russia’s ITAR-TASS news agency has quoted Larijani as saying.

"I would like to clarify one point: our orientation to the east, first of all to Russia is our strategic choice. So we will open a special "file" for Russia, for Russia's role in the economy and infrastructure of Iran."

The official further emphasized that Tehran and Moscow should work harder to facilitate the visa regime between the two countries.

"The more obstacles we remove developing relations between our businesses and our people, the bigger mutual investments we will receive," Larijani said.

Currently, Iranian businessmen who want to travel to Russia have to spend a lot of time to comply with all necessary formalities, he said.

"And vice versa - businessmen from Russia have to pass through the same circle if they make business trips to Iran," Larijani said.

He also said that the January nuclear deal with the 5+1 had provided new opportunities for investment in Iran.

Top lawmaker further noted that the country offers huge potentials to investors, adding that vast resources of energy and workforce are two key privileges among many others.

SS