Japan to Export Medical Gear to Iran
TEHRAN (Tasnim) – Based on a multi-million-dollar agreement on a grant aid, Japan is going to supply Iran with a series of medical equipment, including diagnostic and therapy tools, Nikkei Asian Review reported.
According to the report, the agreement, which takes effect on Saturday, will have Iran get 1.2 billion yen ($10.5 million) worth of medical equipment in grant aid.
Tokyo is expected to give some 40 mammography machines to Iran’s Health Ministry under the official development assistance program.
Fujifilm Holdings and Toshiba Medical Systems are among the companies that appear to be interested in an upcoming bidding.
According to the report, Iran imports medical devices worth around $800 million. Some European companies have already started the race for the lucrative market.
Using ODA as a gateway, Japanese corporations will develop the market with ultrasonic diagnostic equipment, endoscopes, and other tools.
There has been growing enthusiasm for trade with Iran after implementation of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), a lasting nuclear deal between Tehran and the Group 5+1 (Russia, China, the US, Britain, France and Germany).
The deal came into force on January 16, terminating all nuclear-related sanctions on Iran.
The promising prospect of trade with Iran has prompted Japanese companies to explore the market potential in the populous Middle East nation.
Meanwhile, Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe is likely to visit Iran in late August, a first trip by a Japanese leader in 38 years.
According to Nikkei, Tokyo is to resume yen loans to Iran after a 15-year hiatus.
Infrastructure work involving Japanese companies, including repairs to fossil-fuel power plants, is also under consideration.