TEHRAN – For the first time, regular flights from Payam Airport (PA) in Karaj will export fruits and vegetables to the Persian Gulf littoral states. “The date is set for May 5, 2006,” the head of Iran Fruits and Vegetables Exporters Union announced on Sunday.

In a meeting with the officials, Reza Nurani also demanded that the export flights from Imam Khomeini International Airport (IKIA), which used to take place from this airport, to be resumed to Bahrain, Qatar, Kuwait and Saudi Arabia (SA).

Moreover, he requested for Valfajr Shipping Line’s participation in carrying the products to the destined countries on the rim while emphasizing on profitable exports to SA during pilgrimage seasons.

Based on the statistics, Iran produced 30 million tons of fruits last year of which 1.5-2 percent was exported. At the moment, five vessels leave Iranian ports every 20 days to deliver fruits and vegetables to UAE market.