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“The two nations enjoy very close relations on political issues and we consider Cyprus as our closest EU member, which is why I’m confident that the establishment of direct flights will significantly help boost bilateral relations in the field of tourism and business,” Bigdeli told the Financial Mirror in an exclusive interview.

Bigdeli is also confident that following the signing of a bilateral treaty on avoidance of taxation between the two countries, there will be increased interest among Iranian businesspeople to come to Cyprus and for Cypriots to visit Iran in order to come into contact with potential customers in Iran.

The volume of trade between the two nations is very low, at only 7 million euros in 2008, but Bigdeli is confident that with the implementation of the avoidance of double taxation agreement and the establishment of direct flights, a new chapter will open between Iran and Cyprus.

Tourism Iran’s Ambassador estimates that currently 6,000 people from Iran visit Cyprus every year, with very few Cypriots visiting Iran.

“With direct flights and accelerated and simplified procedures on visa applications, we can boost the number of Iranians visiting Cyprus to 12,000 in the first year and easily 24,000 the second year.”

Iran, with its rich and diverse culture, history and attractions is viewed by the ambassador as an ideal place for Cypriots to visit.

Bigdeli said there is a big misconception among Cypriots and Europeans in general about the situation in Iran and its people.

“Until people visit Iran, they are mostly reserved, but after the first visit, they fall in love with the place, its people, the rich culture and way of life,” he said, referring to many Cypriots who want to return many times more after their first trip.

Business Bigdeli said the same reservations are seen among business people who are misinformed about the capabilities and business potential of Iran, which in addition to being a hub for energy resources, also boasts skilled manpower, rich mineral resources, know-how and expertise that have allowed the country to become self sufficient and an exporter in many fields.

The energetic Ambassador of Iran sees the holding of business seminars and the organizing of business delegations as one of the best ways to bring business people together to explore opportunities.

The forthcoming visit of the Cypriot Minister of Commerce, Industry and Tourism Antonis Paschalides to Tehran, accompanied by a strong business delegation is seen as an effective way to boost business and commercial relations further.

Iranian investors are also expected to show great interest in buying property from Cyprus. Bigdeli said the slump in property prices in Dubai – where Iranian investors had invested heavily over the years – may lead many Iranians to consider buying property from Cyprus while at the same time, there could be added interest among Cyprus developers to consider projects in Iran.

“If all the sides move quickly to remove trade obstacles including the provision of visas and establishment of direct flights and based on bilateral treaties signed and coming into effect, then I’m sure there will be increased business opportunities for the benefit of both countries,” said Bigdeli.

Trade, tourism, research and education are the categories with the most potential for further growth.

Education Higher education is another area where Iran and Cyprus may cooperate. At present a number of Iranian students are currently enrolled at Cyprus universities, but there is potential for growth. Iran, with a population of 70 million, has 18 million students and is considered a country with a young generation. During the academic year 2007-2008, the number of university students reached about 3 million.

“With such a huge number of students there are those who either wish to study abroad or choose a foreign university after not succeeding to gain entry into Iranian universities,” Bigdeli said, adding that with the right promotion and easier visa procedures, Cyprus may attract more Iranian students.

“Inviting Iranian professors to join your universities is a good way to boost awareness among Iranians of the facilities offered by Cyprus in the field of education.” The forthcoming visit of the Cypriot Minister of Education and Culture to Iran in the first half of 2009 is also seen as a positive step towards this objective.

The embassy has also facilitated the provision of five scholarships to Cypriot students to discover Iran and raise awareness among Cypriot students about Iran.

Health Health care is a rapidly growing industry in Iran valued at 25 billion in 2008. Iran has 730 medical establishments (eg. hospitals, clinics) with a total of 110,797 beds, with 85% of all Iranians having health care coverage.

Iran also has a rather developed pharmaceutical production capability, similar to Cyprus. Currently 55 pharmaceutical companies in Iran produce more than 96% of medicines on the market, worth $1.8 billion annually.

Iran’s pharmaceutical market is estimated to be worth $2 billion in 2008. There are over 100 Iranian companies representing international suppliers, handling both promotion and the after-sales service of the products.

Bigdeli said one area where the pharmaceutical companies and the health services of Iran and Cyprus can cooperate is tapping into Iran’s vast research and know-how in medicine and medical equipment.

Such a cooperation may also help increase Cyprus’ pharmaceutical exports to other countries.

Promotion In an effort to change the misconception about Iran, mainly derived from biased international media, the Iranian embassy in Nicosia is promoting direct contact among the two countries, facilitating easy visa procedures for Cypriots visiting Iran and organizing cultural activities to provide a better understanding among the two people.