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Iran and New Zealand to enhance agriculture relations

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Last week, Houman Fathi, Chairman of the Iranian Agriculture Ministry’s Department for International Affairs, held a meeting with New Zealand's envoy Hamish MacMaster in Tehran, where they emphasized the importance of expanding bilateral relations, particularly in the agricultural sector. Fathi said Tehran was resolved to take major steps to expand ties with Wellington in all fields and increase its exports to the country.

During the meeting, the two sides discussed a range of issues, including the transfer the technology from New Zealand to Iran in the areas of toxins, plants and livestock quarantine, processing kiwifruit and seeds, research, and cooperation between the two countries' public and private sectors.

In 2017, New Zealand Primary Industries Minister Nathan Guy and Iranian Agriculture Minister Mahmoud Hojjati witnessed the signing of an agreement which provided for chilled and frozen sheep and beef exports to resume with Iran.

New Zealand kiwifruit marketer Zespri International and Iran's Ministry of Agriculture meanwhile signed a statement of intent outlining undertakings to further explore commercial opportunities in Iran.