The secretary-general of Iran Chamber of Commerce, Industries and Mines (ICCIM), Dr Gavahi, and the Sudanese ambassador to Tehran, Shafi Ahmad Mohammad, met to discuss the trip to Khartoum of a delegation of Iranian traders and corporate managers, to take part in an Islamic Business Forum (IBF) session.
The Sudanese ambassador expressed hope that the visit will serve as a prelude to future economic co-operation, and added that "in view of its cordial relations with Iran, Sudan is willing to supply 80% of its needs from the Islamic Republic". He added, since his country is seeking wider transactions with Iran, the expansion of mutual trade will reinforce bilateral co-operation at the regional and international levels.
The ambassador continued by saying that "although numerous obstacles exist in the broadening of bilateral relations, such as indirect banking contacts, and the insufficient recognition of each other's market requirements, we are examining ways to remove the burdens. We have proposed to the Iranian Commerce Ministry to hold a seminar discussing trade opportunities for Sudan in Iran".

The ambassador also recommended the establishment of a joint-company to introduce the two nation's products for export to the global community, while also establishing a permanent exhibition of the two sides' commodities in both Sudan and Iran. He also suggested that direct air routes between Tehran and Khartoum can play a key role in developing Iran-Sudan relations.
The diplomat describe the Sudanese markets as new and untouched, with many infrastructure projects under study. Iran, he contended, can co-operate by investing in Sudan and also exporting its related produced commodities to this populous region.

In response, Dr. Gavahi said that" while studies show that Sudan needs most of Iran's produced commodities, Iran is now hamstrung by a severe shortage of foreign exchange, sparked by sagging oil prices and sunken revenues, and thus can not invest in Khartoum as it has in the past". Dr. Gavahi however, did point out to the large number of Iranian firms operating in Sudan and the fact that the Iranian private sector has both the capability and the interest in taking part in these activities.

"I hope that during the IBF conference, there will be a better understanding in potential areas of co-operations between the two nations and that trade opportunities will be conveyed to the Iranian business corporations," said Dr Gavahi.
It must also be mentioned that the heads of Chambers of Commerce and leading figures in the economy and the business community who attended the IBF conference, will investigate ways to develop and expand Iran-Sudan trade relations.