TEHRAN -- Kyrgyz Ambassador to Iran Medet Sadyr Kuliov in Bishkek called for expansion of trade cooperation between the two countries.

Talking to reporters, he said Iran will hold an exclusive industrial exhibition in Bishkek from April 15-20 which, he believed, would open a new chapter in bilateral trade ties.

Sadyr Kuliov voiced optimism the exhibition would help bolster economic ties and cooperation between the two countries, said IRNA.

Iran is to open its first-ever, 6-day exclusive industrial exhibition in Bishkek on April 15. About 30 Iranian industrial manufacturing companies have signified their intent to participate in the exhibition that will be held under the auspices of the Governor-General's Office of the western Iranian Province of Qazvin.

The ambassador, pointing to the importance of exhibitions of this kind, suggested that Iranian industrial exhibitions in his country be held more or less regularly in order to give industrialists and businessmen of both countries the opportunity to better acquaint themselves with each other's economic potentials.

He pointed to the success of a number of Iranian industries currently operating in Kyrgyzstan and producing various foodstuff, carpets and fitted carpets, sanitary products, detergents and constructional materials, and called for greater Iranian participation in the country's industry sector.

Sadyr Kuliov said excessive tariffs now levied on Iran-Kyrgyzstan trade is the most important reason why bilateral trade transactions have not reached the desired level.

Trade exchanges between Iran and Kyrgyzstan currently stands at a meager 40 million dollars.

The official expressed hope that the subject of removal of the tariff barriers would top the agenda in next month's scheduled sixth session of the Iran-Kyrgyzstan Economic Commission to be held in Tehran.

"Kyrgyzstan seeks to sign a new trade agreement with Iran that would expand the current level of bilateral economic cooperation," Sadyr Kuliov informed.