Armenia and Iran are making efforts to jointly sell goods to third countries, Minister of Economy of Armenia Vahan Kerobyan told a discussion on the draft state budget for 2023 in Parliament on Thursday, November 3, Sputnik Armenia reports..

"We are concentrating on those components of trade that have potential. In particular, using the transport and communication links of Armenia, Iranian goods are sent to the markets of the EAEU and other states," Kerobyan said.

According to him, the Armenian market is quite small for Iran. Therefore, both parties are taking steps to jointly sell goods. In addition, Armenia is working to make logistical routes through Iran accessible to Armenian carriers.

The Minister noted that in general, the trade turnover between Armenia and Iran in 2022 will reach $800 million. He stressed that negotiations are also underway to extend the free trade zone between Iran and the EAEU countries.

The main obstacle to trade is the banking system, which forces businessmen to look for alternative ways. There are also problems with exporting to Iran due to restrictions. The minister noted that Iran's economy is a "resistance economy" and they have little interest in importing goods.

Recall the first few months of 2022, trade turnover between Armenia and Iran increased by 43%. The ultimate goal of the two countries is to bring turnover to $3 billion.