Baku criticized for not giving visas to Iranian traders

Speaking to ILNA, Pirmoazen said that countries like Turkey, Italy, Saudi Arabia, Israel and Germany have been handed over some projects in Karabakh but unfortunately it has not happened for any Iranian company yet, reiterating that some projects have been even handed over to the Israelis and even Turkish traders without getting visas or having passports easily go to Karabakh but Iranians even with having Azerbaijan visas have not been able to be present in Karabakh.

On the current trade between Iran and Azerbaijan, he said fortunately the trade balance between Iran and Azerbaijan is in good condition, adding that although due to the pandemic most borders were closed, the only border which dodged the closure and continued foreign trade, was the border with Azerbaijan.

He noted that export of agro and industrial products to Azerbaijan has increased around 35 percent comparing to the past year, adding that the growth in trade with Azerbaijan is mainly because of the rise in the forex price in Iran and when the price of a commodity increases, it actually affects the trade exchanges.

Pirmoazen went on to say that due to the pandemic and halt in issuing visas by the two states, the trade between Iran and Azerbaijan has faced problems. He said Azerbaijan has set some restrictions for issuing visas for Iranian traders and countries where the covid-19 is not in good condition.

"Azerbaijan deputy prime minister a couple of weeks ago in meeting with Iranian officials promised to resolve the problem of issuing visas."

He expressed hope next month and for the first time after the pandemic , a trade delegation from Iran would visit an exhibition in Baku and exchange views with private sector of Azerbaijan.

He admitted that despite giving a list of powerful Iranian companies to Azerbaijan for cooperation in the reconstruction of Karabakh, so far it has not been welcomed by the Azeri s and other countries have been welcomed.

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