Iranian businesspersons have voiced keenness to invest in Zimbabwe and engage in meaningful ventures to produce various goods in the country.

The Iranian government, which has expressed its willingness to conduct business with Zimbabwe, has since instructed its ministries to open an Africa desk, the Herald daily reported Tuesday.

This will facilitate quick and easy access for business transactions.

Zimbabwean Deputy Information and Publicity Minister Cde Bright Matonga, who recently returned from Iran, said Monday there was huge potential for business and lucrative markets in Iran.

"As soon as we are able to overcome some of the bureaucratic problems here in Zimbabwe, we should be able to benefit from the partnership.

"Like us, Iran is a country thriving under sanctions and they are willing to help us."

Cde Matonga added that Iran, which enjoys cordial relations with Zimbabwe, had made inquiries about buying a huge consignment of asbestos from this country and the order was likely to be concluded soon.

He said there were other areas that could benefit Zimbabwe such as agriculture, irrigation infrastructure, tourism and manufacturing.

Cde Matonga said he was hopeful the local business community would take advantage of the opportunities offered by Iran and engage in meaningful partnerships.

Zimbabwe could also benefit from potential tourism arrivals by introducing attractive tourism packages to lure Iranians to visit the country, Cde Matonga said.

He said most of the tourists had expressed a willingness to visit the country but the local tourism industry was not responding to this immense opportunity as the summer holiday season beckons in Iran.

The Zimbabwe Tourism Authority has admitted that several groups have shunned Zimbabwe after receiving shocking quotations that were invariably increased on a daily basis even in United States dollar terms.

ZTA chief executive Mr. Karikoga Kaseke yesterday said it was time his organization took a firm stand against some of the operators.

"It is high time we came up with attractive packages that attract groups of tourists to this country.

"If you compare our rates and what they are charging, Zimbabwe is one of the worst packaged deals in the region.

"Minister (Francis) Nhema was in Kuwait a few weeks ago, and on his return, he told the industry the same thing.

"We have talked enough, we need to move and as ZTA we are going to present a nice package to attract tourists from all over," he said.

During his visit to Teheran, Cde Matonga presented a paper at the International Congress on Culture of Resistance: The Moslem World, Victim of Terrorism.

Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad also attended the congress.

IS/IS