New Zealand signs deal to resume meat exports to Iran

New Zealand has signed an agreement with Iran for the resumption of meat exports to the Islamic republic, Tehran Times daily reported on Tuesday.

The agreement was signed between Iranian Veterinary Organization and New Zealand's Ministry for Primary Industries in Tehran at the presence of visiting New Zealand's Primary Industries Minister Nathan Guy and Iranian Agriculture Minister Mahmoud Hojjati, the report said.

The two sides agreed to provides conditions for resumption of frozen mutton and beef exports to Iran.

"This is a crucial step for New Zealand meat companies as they look to re-enter the Iranian market," Guy said, adding that the sides also discussed an action plan for agricultural cooperation in the year ahead, Guy said.

The report did not provide further reports about the value of volume of the meat exports to Iran.

New Zealand's meat exports to Iran declined critically following the imposition of the western sanctions on Iran after 2012 over the latter's controversial nuclear program. Endit