In a meeting with the Ambassador of the Republic of Kazakhstan to Tehran, Mohammad Khaki said that Kazakhstan is among the most important countries in the Central Asian region.
“Given its geographical position and economic capacities, the country holds a special place in Iran’s regional interactions,” he said.
Khaki put the trade volume between Iran and Kazakhstan at $340 million during the past year, and said that goals have been set to increase the figure to $3 billion. “Despite international restrictions, we hope to realize this goal through planning and joint cooperation,” Khaki added.
Khaki noted that Iran-Kazakhstan relations have always been positive, stable, and expanding since Kazakhstan’s independence in 1991.
Pointing to the joint economic capacities between the two countries, Khaki said that Iran, with its advantageous geographical position, prioritizes transit and logistical development — an issue emphasized at the highest levels.
Khaki stated that the five main items exported from Iran to Kazakhstan are also produced in Lorestan Province, which can contribute to the development of economic cooperation.
He added that the Kazakh delegation is expected to visit production units in the agricultural, dairy, and construction sectors.
“Lorestan, with a population of about 1,800,000 people and covering an area of about 28,000 square kilometers, lies on the North–South transit corridor and enjoys significant potential in the water, industry, mining, and agriculture sectors,” Khaki said.
Lorestan, possessing 13 billion cubic meters of water resources, accounts for 11 percent of the country’s total surface water, which makes it a suitable place for foreign investment in water-intensive industries.
Khaki said that more than 1,300 industrial units are active in Lorestan, including major industries such as petrochemicals, human and veterinary pharmaceuticals, crops, and non-metallic mineral industries. The province also boasts over 22 types of mineral resources and more than 60 mineral elements, making it one of Iran’s leading provinces in this field.
He added that Lorestan Province ranks among Iran’s top five provinces in the production of decorative and construction stones and is the world’s leading producer of calcium carbonate.
Pointing to Lorestan’s agricultural capacities, Khaki said that 800,000 hectares of land in the province are under high-quality agricultural cultivation.
“Lorestan ranks first in Iran in the production of black figs, and efforts are being made to promote their export,” Khaki said.
Khaki stated that Lorestan Province produces more than 38,000 tons of cold-water fish, making it the leading non-coastal province in this field.
“The human, livestock, and plant pharmaceutical industry is among the most important economic sectors of Lorestan Province,” the official said.
He added that the travel time from Khorramabad to Tehran will take less than four hours in the near future upon the completion of the Khorramabad–Tehran highway, of which only 60 kilometers remain.
Khaki also referred to the rich history of Lorestan, which dates back more than 63,000 years. “Many prehistoric sites in the province have been inscribed on the World Heritage List,” he said.
Kazakhstan’s Ambassador to Tehran, Ontalap Onalbayev, has traveled to Lorestan. He is scheduled to visit industrial units and historical sites, including Falak-ol-Aflak Castle in a 2-day trip.
