Iran exported goods worth $16.308 billion in the first four months of the current Iranian year (started March 20) indicating an increase of 21 percent compared to the figure for the same period last year, which was $13.477 billion, said the head of Trade Promotion Organization of Iran on Tuesday.
Valiollah Afkhami Rad further said that imports of goods during the same stood at $12.865, showing a decline of seven percent against the figure for the same period last year which was $13.833 billion, reported IRNA.
The figures point to a positive trade balance of $3.443 billion balance, he said, adding that petrochemical products topped the list of exported items during the four-month period.
Afkhami Rad hoped that exports will rise to $50 billion in the year to mid-March 2017.
Following changes to export targets, Iran can now trade directly with most of the countries said the official.
He asked small-scaled companies to unite in holdings or consortiums to export larger amount of goods.
According to Afkhami Rad, the Ministry of Industry, Mine and Trade is determined to support such companies.
