Iran Press/Africa: A team from Africa Trade Development, an Iranian firm specializing in Iran-Africa business, conducted a fact-finding mission in Burkina Faso's capital last week, exploring potential trade and investment opportunities.
In an exclusive interview with Iran Press, Seyed Ali Mousavi, International Development Director at Africa Trade Development Co., shared insights into the company's strategic vision for bolstering Iran-Africa trade relations.
"We first met with the ambassador of Burkina Faso to Iran and we found that there are a lot of opportunities to cooperate between our country and Burkina Faso. So we traveled here to see by our eyes,” Seyed Ali Mousavi, the Director of International Development, told Iran Press' local correspondent.
Opportunities in Various Sectors
According to Mousavi, there are many opportunities in various sectors. “People are very interested to increase their capabilities,” he said, and adds : “we understand that in the first step we can cooperate in the field of health. We can provide medical equipments and knowledge to doctors.” He also thinks about agriculture with the Iranian new technologies and machinery that Burkina Faso farmers need.
Beyond Iranian investments, Burkina Faso is poised to leverage its own strengths in the burgeoning trade relationship. The West African nation boasts substantial production of sesame and mangoes, while its zinc, manganese, and gold deposits have piqued the interest of Africa Trade Development, which are "usable" for Iran.
ATD Co. to Boost Trade with Burkina Faso
In order to “move faster” and facilitate these exchanges, ATD Co. plans to establish an Iranian trade center in Burkina Faso. “With the Trade Center, we can work closely between the two countries, from government sections, for both sides, and also the private sectors,” explains Seyed Ali Mousavi.
Collaboration, Independence
The Director of International Development said his trip broadened his view of the West African country. “I found that we can do a lot of things, and we only need to start something together to find everything else”, he said. He saluted the vision of Burkina Faso and its neighbors of Mali and Niger, members of the Alliance of Sahelian States, to gain more independence from Western countries, saying: “we are in the same route of life to support each other, so we will be side by side together in this collaboration and independence.”
During their visit, the delegation met with government officials, businessmen, and organizations, including chambers of commerce.
