TEHRAN – Non-oil exports from Iran to Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN) in the four month period ending July 22 showed 1.2 times increase compared to the same period last year.

The Mehr News Agency quoted the Trade Promotion Organization of Iran Deputy Director Babak Afqahi as saying that the exports grew from 445,000 tons to 535,000 tons for the above-mentioned period.
The commerce minister’s adviser said active presence in ASEAN markets paves the way for expansion of commercial transaction. He urged the private sector in Iran to take advantage of this.
Afqahi noted, “The 600 million population of the ASEAN countries has a potential for selling Iranian products, and for this reason greater attention has been given to it in recent years.”
“In addition Iranian government’s policy in enhancing relations with ASEAN countries and coordinating political and economic relations with them is another reason for the boost in exports,” he said.
The main items exported to these countries include petrochemicals, citrus fruits, carpets, pistachio, foodstuff (especially with “Halal” mark on them) and medicinal herbs.
ASEAN is a geo-political and economic organization of 10 countries located in Southeast Asia, which was formed on 8 August 1967 by Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore and Thailand. Since then, membership has expanded to include Brunei, Burma (Myanmar), Cambodia, Laos, and Vietnam