Iran Offers Incentives for SCO Investors, Businesses

EghtesadOnline: Iran's rich resources and strategic geographical position, along with its sustainable security and skilled workforce, provide multiple opportunities for investors and businesses in the member states of Shanghai Cooperation Organization.

News ID: ۷۴۷۵۴۶

15 June 2019

President Hassan Rouhani made the statement during his speech at the 19th SCO Summit in the Kyrgyz capital, Bishkek, on Friday.

The president added that opportunities offered by Iran can help create an "economic boom" in SCO member states, according to Financial Tribune.

"The government of Iran is ready to provide any incentive for businesspeople, citizens, firms and governments of the organization's members," he was quoted as saying by his website.

SCO is a China-led intergovernmental association that aims to enhance trade, cultural and humanitarian cooperation across the vast Eurasian region.

It comprises China, Russia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, India and Pakistan as member states.

Iran currently has an observer status, along with Afghanistan, Belarus and Mongolia, but has applied for full membership.

Rouhani pointed to issues facing the region, including terrorism, extremism, unilateralism and intervention of trans-regional countries, warning that they could threaten all countries around the world if not addressed.

“These crises destroy the countries' basic infrastructure and regenerate insecurity, driving the region into a sensitive state,” he added.

The Iranian president criticized the United States’ policies and unilateralism as a major cause of challenges facing the region and the world.

"The United States' government over the past two years has violated all international regulations and structures by using its economic, financial and military leverage and adopting an aggressive approach, and has turned into a serious threat for the stability of the region and the world," he said.

The president met his Chinese counterpart, Xi Jinping, on the sidelines of the SCO summit where he expressed his willingness for deeper cooperation with Beijing, both bilaterally and within the framework of international and regional organizations.

Xi highlighted constant talks between the two countries, asserting that Beijing would pursue and expand its strategic relations with Iran.

He also censured the US unilateral exit from the 2015 nuclear deal, describing it as the main cause of heightened tensions in the region.

Washington walked away from the deal last year and reimposed harsh sanctions on Tehran.

Xi expressed readiness to cooperate with Iran through global and regional organizations to preserve the interests of China and developing countries, apart from promoting multilateralism.

"Beijing is ready to develop its cooperation with Iran in the fight against terrorism and organized crime," he said.

Rouhani later held a meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin to discuss bilateral ties and international issues, including the nuclear deal.