Xinhua, Wellington :
New Zealand is looking to step up exports to Iran after the signing of two agreements between the two countries, Primary Industry Minister Nathan Guy said Monday.
The signing of a meat arrangement agreement in Tehran would enable the resumption of sheep and beef exports to Iran, Guy, who is currently in Iran, said in a statement from his office.
“This is a crucial step for New Zealand meat companies as they look to re-enter the Iranian market,” said Guy.
The arrangement between the Iranian Veterinary Organisation and New Zealand’s Ministry for Primary Industries provided the conditions for chilled and frozen sheep and beef exports to resume with Iran.
The agreement was witnessed with Iranian Minister of Agriculture Mahmoud Hojjati during a meeting with Guy, when they discussed an action plan for agricultural cooperation in the year ahead.
They also witnessed the signing of a statement of intent between New Zealand kiwifruit giant Zespri and Iran’s Ministry of Agriculture acknowledging the potential of the Iranian market as a large fruit consuming and growing country.
“Current import conditions mean that New Zealand is unable to export kiwifruit to Iran. However the letter of intent outlines undertakings to further explore commercial opportunities in Iran,” said Guy.
Iran had well established kiwifruit orchards and supply chains, and operated in a counter seasonal supply window to New Zealand.
“This visit is an important opportunity to strengthen our agricultural relationship, following the signing of an Agricultural Cooperation Arrangement last year,” said Guy.
“Iran has traditionally been an important market for New Zealand agricultural exporters, particularly dairy, and this visit has identified areas in which we can diversify these commercial ties and further technical cooperation.”
Guy’s visit is the third ministerial visit to Iran in 12 months, reflecting the growing importance of New Zealand’s relationship with the second largest economy in the Middle East and North Africa region.
In December last year, Trade Minister Todd McClay led New Zealand’s first trade mission to Tehran in 12 years.
New Zealand has been striving to rebuild trade with Iran since the lifting sanctions over Iran’s nuclear program began last year.
New Zealand commodity exports to Iran fell to less than 90 million NZ dollars (64.72 million U.S. dollars) in the year ending September 2015, down from over 163 million NZ dollars (117.21 million U.S. dollars) in 2014.
