The Ambassador of the Islamic Republic of Iran to Nigeria, His Excellency, Morteza Rahimi Zarchi, has restated the willingness of the Asian country to establish general bilateral business relationship with the Enugu State government, especially in the area of medical services.

Ambassador Zarchi, who spoke at the Government House, Enugu, when he paid a courtesy call on the governor, in company with the management of FIT Consult Limited, stated that his delegation was in Enugu on a feasibility study towards establishing an Iranian hospital, modelled after the one in Dubai, at the ongoing Heliu Residences project in Enugu as well as general bilateral cooperation with the state government.

The ambassador said his country’s decision to seek bilateral cooperation with Enugu State was because of its historical background, natural resources, geographical location, which he said links other neighbouring states, an international airport, as well as the existing peace in the state.

He added that there are many Iranian companies manufacturing drugs, especially herbal medicines, which are very useful in treating diabetes and other diseases, adding that they would be willing to bring the drugs to Nigeria or even import the raw materials into the country for the final production.

“It is worthy of note, Your Excellency, that about 90 per cent of drugs and pharmaceuticals (used in Iranian hospitals) are manufactured inside Iran, which the world is using at the moment,” the ambassador said.

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Responding, Governor Ugwuanyi, who thanked the Iranian ambassador for his kind words and promises, said his administration was fully committed to the sustenance of an environment that is conducive for businesses and other developmental initiatives in the state as demonstrated by its continued investments in security and critical infrastructure.

He noted that the government also has in place, necessary legislations, institutional frameworks, favourable tax regime and special incentives that would make it easier and more convenient for the operation of businesses in the state. 

He added that the state currently has on the block for commercialisation or privatisation, over 17 potentially lucrative state-owned companies and industries dealing in diverse areas of business and production.   

While expressing delight at the interest shown by Iran in establishing a world-class medical facility in the Heliu Estate under the international brand name, Iranian Hospital, Ugwuanyi disclosed that, “there are many other areas of potential partnership and cooperation between your country and Enugu State cutting across various sectors of the economy.”