TEHRAN – In a significant meeting organized by the Tehran Chamber of Commerce, Industries, Mines and Agriculture (TCCIMA), Japan’s Ambassador to Tehran, Tamaki Tsukada, engaged in in-depth discussions aimed at exploring and enhancing avenues for economic cooperation between Iran and Japan.
As detailed on the TCCIMA portal, the meeting provided a valuable platform for the two parties to exchange comprehensive ideas on fostering stronger economic relationships, particularly focusing on initiatives that could link the private sectors of both nations, while addressing strategies for advancing trade relations.
During a recent interview with the Tasnim news agency, Ambassador Tsukada highlighted the keen interest of Japanese companies in collaborative projects within the Iranian energy sector, specifically emphasizing opportunities in the hydrogen and ammonia industries, which are seen as pivotal in the global energy transition.
“Japanese companies are eager to engage in various aspects of Iran’s energy sector, including the overhaul of energy facilities and the enhancement of equipment,” Tsukada elaborated, underscoring the potential for mutual benefits in this partnership.
Mentioning the longstanding history of cooperation between the two nations, the ambassador articulated concern over the detrimental effects that U.S. sanctions have imposed on economic exchanges, stating: “If the international conditions improve, I am confident that Japanese oil and energy firms will once again express interest in the Iranian market.”
The envoy estimated the current bilateral trade at approximately $100 million, a figure that starkly contrasts with the robust capacities and significant potential both countries possess for expanding economic ties.
In a separate meeting held on October 29, Iranian Transport and Urban Development Minister Farzaneh Sadegh and Ambassador Tsukada emphasized the importance of enhancing cooperation in key sectors such as transportation, infrastructure development, and technology innovation.
Sadegh accentuated Iran’s geopolitical significance as a critical junction connecting East and West, stating: “Japan can effectively reach nations in the region, including Central Asia and the Caucasus, through Iran, positioning us as a vital trade partner.”
She further elaborated on the potential for cooperation in advanced areas, including intelligent transportation systems, safety protocols, and the development of seismic-resistant urban infrastructure technologies.
The minister extended an invitation to Japanese officials to visit Iran, encouraging them to explore the country’s unique capabilities, including its remarkable bridges and tunnels, as well as to discuss specific fields for collaboration.
Another key issue discussed was the proposal for establishing direct flights between Iran and Japan, a move both parties agreed would facilitate enhanced connectivity and cooperation.
Sadegh proposed a dedicated meeting involving port officials from both sides to explore potential collaboration opportunities within the maritime transportation sector, aiming to strengthen logistical ties.
Ambassador Tsukada reflected on the enduring and rich historical relationship between Iran and Japan, noting: “The thousand-year history of our interactions lays a strong foundation for deeper cooperation in human settlement, knowledge exchange, technology transfer, and the organization of training programs.”
He expressed optimism regarding the progress made so far and called for an acceleration of efforts toward further developing such collaborative initiatives.
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**Interview with Ambassador Tamaki Tsukada on Iran-Japan Economic Relations**
**Interviewer**: Thank you for joining us today, Ambassador Tsukada. Recently, you participated in discussions with Iran’s Chamber of Commerce regarding economic cooperation. What were the key outcomes of that meeting?
**Ambassador Tsukada**: Thank you for having me. The meeting was a productive platform where both Iranian and Japanese representatives exchanged ideas on fostering stronger economic ties. We focused notably on private sector collaboration, discussing various initiatives that could bridge our two economies, particularly in the energy sector.
**Interviewer**: You specifically mentioned interest from Japanese companies in Iran’s energy sector, especially in hydrogen and ammonia. Can you elaborate on why these areas are particularly appealing?
**Ambassador Tsukada**: Certainly. Hydrogen and ammonia are seen as crucial for the global energy transition. Japanese companies are at the forefront of innovation in these sectors and are eager to engage in projects that not only enhance our energy capabilities but also align with global sustainability goals. There is significant potential for overhauling energy facilities and improving existing equipment in Iran, which could yield mutual benefits.
**Interviewer**: You acknowledged the impact of U.S. sanctions on economic exchanges between our countries. How do you see this evolving?
**Ambassador Tsukada**: The sanctions have indeed posed significant challenges to our cooperation. However, I believe that if international conditions improve, there will be renewed interest from Japanese firms in the Iranian market. Historically, our nations have enjoyed a fruitful relationship, and it is essential to find pathways to revitalize our economic interactions.
**Interviewer**: Current bilateral trade stands at about $100 million, which seems quite low given the potential you mentioned. What steps can be taken to significantly enhance this figure?
**Ambassador Tsukada**: Exploring various avenues for collaboration is key. By identifying mutual interests and establishing clear communication between our private sectors, we can facilitate trade and investment. Conducting joint ventures and enhancing infrastructure projects, especially in energy, can also serve as a catalyst for increased economic cooperation.
**Interviewer**: Looking ahead, what are your hopes for the future of Iran-Japan relations?
**Ambassador Tsukada**: My hope is for a robust revival of our economic partnership. This includes not just strengthening trade relations but also cultivating trust and understanding between our two nations. I am optimistic that with cooperation and commitment from both sides, we can overcome existing challenges and build a prosperous future together.
**Interviewer**: Thank you, Ambassador Tsukada, for sharing your insights today.
**Ambassador Tsukada**: Thank you for having me. It was a pleasure to discuss these important issues.