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The Minister of Small Business Development (the dsbd), Ms Lindiwe Zulu has urged the Islamic Republic of Iran to consider easing the requirements for the issuance of VISAS to South African businesspeople stating that this would stimulate for an increase in bilateral trade flows and in movement of people between the two countries.

Zulu said this during her address of the South Africa – Iran Business Forum that was held on the margins of the Joint Commission co-chaired by the Minister of Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO), Ms Maite Nkoana-Mashabane and Iran Foreign Affairs Minister, Dr Mohammad Javad Zarif at DIRCO, today.

Regarding Bilateral Trade Relationships, Zulu mentioned that South Africa’s imports had since decreased because of sanctions levelled against Iran.

“We both welcome the launch of the Joint Trade and Investment Committee which was an outcome of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed during President Zuma’s state visit to Iran in 2016. We have also developed a Roadmap articulating concrete areas of focus in attainment of our targets,” she said.

In addition, Zulu mentioned that she hoped future discussions will feature issues of small, medium and micro enterprises and co-operatives.

“I believe this platform will ensure that the captains of industry of both countries will take relations further in strengthening ties and including youth, women and people with disabilities in signed agreements,” said Zulu.

Adding to Minister Zulu’s remarks, Foreign Minister of the Islamic Republic of Iran, Dr Mohammad Javad Zarif said that he believed South Africa has a potential to complement Iran as a move forward to mutually beneficial bilateral relations.

“We want to establish relations with all sectors of South Africa ranging from mining in which you have a dominance dating back to more than a hundred years and to other sectors such as agro-processing and pharmaceuticals. We are also prepared to complement you in sectors such as oil and gas which we also have a dominant history in,” he said.

Issued by Department of Trade and Industry