Extraordinary attention from Iran´s government institutions and business community has fled to Mr. Vazil Hudak, Minister of Economy of the Slovak Republic and to the business delegation accompanying him in Iran from 6th until 8th of March 2016.The goal of the mission was to express satisfaction with achieved results of previous meetings and encourage Iran to take a constructive approach and keep moderate face in the context of international relations. In terms of bilateral economic cooperation the aim was to show preparedness of Slovakia to its deepening along with supporting of current Slovak projects in Iran.The business mission was organized by Slovak Investment and Trade Development Agency with valuable assistance of the Embassy of the Slovak Republic in Tehran. It was attended by 16 Slovak companies (19 participants). Most of them arrived to follow up on negotiations initiated during the mission with the Vice Prime Minister and Minister of Finance of the Slovak Republic in January 2016.The mission was focused on energy (including gas & oil industry and renewables), ICT, construction, mechanical engineering, metal working and pharmaceutical industry. The Export-Import bank of the Slovak Republic and commercial banks were also represented in the mission in order to revive contacts with Iranian banks and prepare solutions for project financing. On Monday, 7th of March, Iranian-Slovak Business forum was opened by Mr. Masoud Khansari, President of Tehran Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture. Minister Hudak in his speech pointed out the high level of bilateral relations of both countries and presented opportunities for cooperation in selected sectors. The forum continued with B2B meetings of Slovak entrepreneurs who negotiated with more than 100 representatives of Iranian companies.On Tuesday, 8th of March, Iranian-Slovak Investment Forum took place co-organized by SARIO`s partner institution- The Organization for Investment, Economic and Technical Assistance of Iran (OIETAI). OIETAI is a key institution of the Ministry Finance and Economic Affairs of Iran for the development of economic cooperation with foreign countries. Mr. Mohammad Khazai, President of OIETAI and Deputy Prime Minister of Finance, pointed out to his Slovak counterpart and to the present Slovak enterpreneurs, that despite the many opportunities that this 70-million market offers, Iran carefully considers when choosing trade and investment partners. He said that the Slovak Republic belongs to the countries that Iran sees as its traditional partners. It will therefore be necessary to specify the areas and projects that are of mutual interest to develop, to prioritize them and to plan systematic approach for further cooperation.Minister Hudak presented the sectors that Slovakia is interested in supporting, mainly the energy sector, oil and gas industry, renewables, through mechanical engineering, including the automotive industry, water management and treatment and ICT. Both representatives agreed to promote not only the mutual trade but especially to support investments in both economies.After the official part of the Slovak entrepreneurs were explained the conditions of investment support in Iran and the current legislative framework in this area. Representatives of the ministries of energy, petroleum, agriculture, health and the municipality of Tehran presented specific projects which could be of interest for Slovak may qualify the society. The meeting continued with B2G meetings.The two-day visit of the Minister of Economy of the SR in Iran had a challenging agenda, with identified important Iranian institutions. Meetings were held with the Governor of the Central Bank of Iran, the Minister and the State Secretary of the Ministry of Industry, Mines and Trade, the Ministry of Energy and the Ministry of Oil.Minister Hudak in addition to the official program also attended a briefing with Slovak entrepreneurs in the form of working breakfast, where he stressed that the role of state officials` foreign trips is to promote foreign business ambitions of Slovak entrepreneurs. He listened with interest to their presentations and on that basis he attended meetings with their Iranian counterparts, and supported their actives with his presence at the meetings.
