Armenia and Iran Sign Protocol on Simplified Customs Corridor

TEHRAN — Armenian and Iranian officials have signed a protocol establishing a “simplified customs corridor” aimed at facilitating cross-border trade and accelerating customs procedures between the two countries.

During a visit to Iran, Armenia’s State Revenue Committee Chairman Eduard Hakobyan met with a delegation headed by Foroud Asgari, Iran’s deputy minister of economic affairs and finance and head of the country’s customs administration.

“We emphasized the steps taken recently to strengthen cooperation and stressed the need for closer collaboration on various issues in the near future,” Hakobyan wrote on Facebook.

“Armenia is firmly moving along the path of regional development, stability and expanded connectivity. In this regard, I attach importance to Armenia and Iran mutually supporting one another in becoming important regional logistics hubs. I am convinced that this cooperation is highly beneficial for the economic growth of both countries and the sustainable development of the region.”

According to Hakobyan, the sides discussed facilitating cross-border trade flows and customs control procedures, launching a preliminary data-exchange system as soon as possible, and advancing efforts toward the mutual recognition of authorized economic operator systems.

“To create more favorable conditions for law-abiding participants in foreign economic activity and accelerate customs procedures, we signed a protocol on organizing the exchange of preliminary information on goods and vehicles transported through the territories of Armenia and Iran, establishing a ‘simplified customs corridor,’” he said.

The two sides also agreed to extend the agreement governing the joint operation of the Meghri-Norduz border crossing.

Hakobyan added that the delegations toured the Norduz border checkpoint and discussed several issues of mutual interest.