Building ties between East and West Asia

Iran's Ambassador, Seyed Javad Ghavam Shahidi, spoke with Viet Nam News on the occasion of his nation's 31st National Day.

What have been the important aspects of relations between Viet Nam and Iran in the past year? Do you have any specific plans to boost relations this year?

Ambassador Seyed Javad Ghavam Shahidi.

First, I take this opportunity to convey my warmest New Year greetings to our Vietnamese friends and wish all of you happiness, success and prosperity.

The Iranian Government and people cherish the traditional friendship with the Vietnamese people. We view our relations with Viet Nam in strategic terms and from a long-term perspective.

The Iran-Viet Nam Friendship Association was formed several years ago in Iran. In response to increasing demand, the Viet Nam-Iran Friendship Association was established here last year, marking another development in the history of our relations.

In 2009, Iran and Viet Nam held the sixth meeting of the Joint Governmental Commission in Ha Noi which led to the signing of significant agreements, such as those on protection and promotion of investment, a memorandum of understanding on co-operation between the two Chambers of Commerce and Industries and a memorandum of understanding on fishery co-operation.

These agreements will establish a concrete foundation for strengthening close co-operation between the two countries in various fields, particularly in trade and economic affairs.

I hope the exchange of high-ranking delegations between Iran and Viet Nam will be furthered in 2010 with the backing of high-ranking leaders. In addition, a road map for economic relations for the next 10 years is also due to be considered by both sides.

Iran and Viet Nam are active nations at either end of the Asian continent. Iran is interested in strengthening co-operation with Viet Nam in all regional and international areas. It would be auspicious if both countries could use their positions to establish links between two important regional organisations based at either end of Asia - ASEAN in the east and the Economic Cooperative Organisation (ECO) based in the west. (ECO members are Iran, Pakistan, Turkey, Afghanistan, Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgz Republic, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan).

This year is important for Viet Nam's role in the region and the world. Its chairmanship of ASEAN will be an excellent opportunity for it to contribute to the region and to intensify relations with Iran.

What has been done in the past year to boost direct trade co-operation?

The Soltan Amir Ahmad Bath in the city of Kashan, Isfahan Province, central Iran, is a major tourist attraction. — Photo Courtesy of the Embassy

Both sides have exerted more positive efforts. Business delegations have been sent to work closely on oil and gas, railways and banking. As Ambassador, I have invited many potential Iranian investors to do business in Viet Nam as your economy is one of the most dynamic and promising in the region and is a very attractive destination for foreign investors.

Viet Nam-Iran trade has progressed remarkably in the last four years and total turnover has tripled. Bilateral trade value last year reached more than US$165 million. However, I believe the real figure must be much higher as many Vietnamese products have arrived in Iran through a third country.

Both sides expect bilateral trade volume to reach $1 billion in the near future.

Viet Nam's energy industry is still in its infancy. Iran has more than 100 years of experience in this field, particularly in the oil and gas sector. How has cooperation in this area been going?

Iran at a glance Area: 1,648,195sq.km Population: more than 65 million Capital: Tehran Language: Farsi Currency: ranian Rial National Flag: Green, white and red stripes with the slogan Allahu Akbar repeated 22 times along the edges of the green and red stripes. The nation's emblem is in the centre.

We are proud we have been able to invite Petro Vietnam to participate in an exploration project in Iran - and will offer further opportunities for co-operation in this field. Joint cooperation between the two countries in oil and gas is promising.

Iran with her century-long and valuable experiences in this field, is also considering joint investment in oil and gas, in the Vietnamese petrochemical industry and in the exchange of technical and training delegations. Iran is also ready to offer short-term, medium-term technical courses in oil and gas to Vietnamese engineers.

Energy security is a top priority in Viet Nam's economic strategy and there are good prospects for co-operation between the two countries. The two sides can complement each other in various projects. Viet Nam's power industry is currently one of the fields of great potential because the actual electricity output is yet to meet national demands.

There is a lot of room for experienced Iranian companies to join power projects in Viet Nam. We also have spoken with authorities and companies about exchanging experiences and investment in petrochemicals and energy, including power plants, refineries and renewable energy.

Agriculture accounts for 30 per cent of Iran's economy. Viet Nam is also an agricultural country. How has agricultural co-operation developed and are there any activities in the pipeline?

The Ministers of Agriculture in both countries exchanged high-levels last year. Both sides have also signed memorandums about co-operation in plant protection, animal husbandry and fisheries. The agreements allow the two countries to implement joint projects in the fields of agriculture, cattle breeding and fisheries. We also plan to expand technical and scientific co-operation in forestry and wood production. At present, Viet Nam supplies Iran with high-quality agricultural products, such as rice, tea, coffee, pepper and cashews, while Iran replies with cotton, dried nuts and fertiliser. Hopefully there will be more agricultural co-operation in the future.

How do you like your life as Iran's Ambassador?

My personal desire, not only in Viet Nam, but everywhere I visit, is to spend my time with people, sharing with them and discovering cultural diversity. By knowing people and being friendly with them, being familiar with their customs and traditions, adds value to my life. As Iran's Ambassador, I have always tried to give a true image of my country.

Life in Viet Nam is quite enjoyable. It is interesting to experience a different type of life and culture - and be able to witness the way of life of the brave children of a heroic country. I closely followed Viet Nam's struggle for freedom and independence 40 years ago, and so it is pleasing to be able to work as a diplomat in your society.— VNS