LONDON An international conference entitled Iran Invest 2000' opened in London Wednesday encompassing various aspects of investment strategy in Iran's major sectors, including oil and gas, mining and metals, telecommunications and financial services.
In a message to some 200 delegates at the two-day conference, British Trade Minister Richard Caborn said the event was an ideal forum to learn about opportunities in Iran and to make the first step toward taking them.
"I firmly believe that, potentially, Iran can be a major business partner for Britain and I am greatly looking forward to visiting Tehran in October to reinforce this message," he said.
Caborn is set next week to become the first UK trade minister since the victory of the 1979 Islamic Revolution to attend Tehran's annual International Trade Fair.
In an opening address, Iran's new Ambassador to London, Morteza Sarmadi spoke about the improving commercial environment for investment in Iran.
Iran's attractions included political security, a perfect location, an extensive domestic market, inexpensive access to various markets, abundance of natural resources and a highly-skilled labor force.
With regard to UK-Iran relations, Sarmadi said that the two countries have to find "new areas for further cooperation and trade." It was important to diversify in traditional areas, he said, exampling telecommunications, light industries and agriculture.
But he added that firstly there should be some investment in Iran for producing goods for other markets, including European Union countries.
The conference, attended by more than 50 international companies, including such us companies as Chevron, Exxon and General Motors, is the highest-ranking of it kind to be held in Britain since both countries decided to reestablish full relations two years ago.
Its sponsors included Lasmo of the UK, British American Tobacco, the British Iranian Chamber of Commerce, Europaisch-Iranische Handelbank, the Balli Group and the UK government's Trade Partners UK.
(IRNA)