Iran, Turkey Expanding Tech Ties

EghtesadOnline: In a move to broaden the country's foreign ties in the field of science and technology, an Iranian delegation visited Turkey during the weekend and discussed ways of expanding tech collaborations and exports.

News ID: ۷۴۹۵۵۹

27 January 2020

Sorena Sattari, the vice president for science and technology, was accompanied by a group of senior tech authorities and 80 representatives from knowledge-based companies active in the fields of technology, particularly ICT, health, equipment manufacture and medicine, IRNA reported.

They met their counterparts, including Turkey’s Minister of Industry and Technology Mustafa Varank, along with directors of 200 tech firms, according to Financial Tribune.

Reviewing Iran's significant progress in different tech areas while being pressured by US sanctions, Sattari said that with the help of knowledge-based companies, Iran is trying to reform its economic structure.

Dependency on natural resources, oil in Iran's case, is toxic for every country. "Realizing this fact, the Iranian government has put extra focus on supporting technology ecosystem to curb the domestic economy's reliance on oil-based revenues," he added.

Over the past decade, the tech ecosystem has being developed gradually.

“Effective steps should be taken to optimize its operations using technical knowhow and spirit of entrepreneurship,” Sattari added.

The goal will not be reached by ignoring the key role of constructive international relations.

Sattari noted that Iran is ready to strengthen relations and establish cooperation for the transfer of technologies with Turkey, adding that the target country is a potential market for the innovative products of Iranian knowledge-based companies.

Also speaking at the meeting, Varank said, “We are willing to promote the cooperation of two countries in industry and technology.”

Ties between Iran and Turkey will help push the region forward on its path of promoting modern technologies and sciences, which will help achieve prosperity.

"Joint works in tech related fields can be a starting point for the two countries to establish new collaborations in a wider range of areas," Varank added.

The meeting concluded with 18 research and development agreements signed between Iranian and Turkish tech firms active in electronics, stem cells, cognitive sciences and biotechnology.

Presenting a brief overview of tech shows scheduled in Iran, Sattari invited Turkish officials to witness the latest innovative attainments and tech products developed by Iranian knowledge-based firms.

He also said Iran expects the presence of Turkish officials and tech firms in the upcoming Second Technology Investment Meeting in Tehran.

Technology Investment

The Second TIM, slated for Feb. 4-5 at Tehran's Pardis Technology Park, aims to use investment potentials for realizing the country’s tech potentials.

According to Milad Sadrkhanlou, TIM's director, the event is expected to be attended by D-8 Technology Transfer and Exchange Network, composed of member states: Bangladesh, Egypt, Nigeria, Indonesia, Malaysia, Pakistan and Turkey, besides Iran.

TTEN is an informative and transaction-enabled network set up among the eight developing Muslim countries. It tries to fulfill technology market functions, pursue missions such as capacity building and information dissemination on technological capabilities, address the needs of D-8 member countries, organize technology transactions and create coordination and synergy among member countries.

“The meeting will help use international investment opportunities, create a network for domestic and foreign investors and provide the required capital for knowledge-based and technological companies,” Sadrkhanlou told the media.

About 100 domestic and 20 foreign investors will attend the meeting, he added.

Knowledge-based companies and startups also have the opportunity to submit their innovative ideas and products for presentation at the event.

Sadrkhanlou said those who can garner enough interest among investors will be able to expand their activities with the help of investors.

Each firm will have eight minutes to present their products or ideas. Over 30 firms have so far sent applications to the meeting's secretariat, he added.

Participants will take part in panel discussions on investment insurance cover, co-investment, pitch deck sessions, curriculum vitae presentation and introduction of investment opportunities are among the meeting programs.