Tehran, Doha Boosting Trade, Benefiting from Saudi Blockade on Qatar: Analyst
TEHRAN (Tasnim) – The move by Iran to increase bilateral trade with Qatar, following a Saudi-led blockade, has benefited the two countries, according to an expert.
"Trade between Iran and Qatar increased by 117 percent in less than six months and it shows the short-term effect of this crisis and bodes well for both countries in the long term," Luciano Zaccara, an expert on Islamic studies at Qatar University, said speaking on Sunday on the sidelines of the (Persian) Gulf Studies Forum in Qatar's capital, Doha, Al Jazeera news network reported.
He added that the crisis has also helped Pakistan and Turkey increase their bilateral trade with Qatar, as well as open new commercial routes and strengthen political ties.
Figures released by Iran's customs administration last month showed the country exported 737,500 tons of non-oil goods worth $67.5m to Qatar over five months - an increase in growth by 30.8 percent in volume, and 60.57 percent in terms of value when compared with the same period last year.
"Iran is also very interested in the Qatari market," added Zaccara.
"They have shown their commitment by trying to accommodate its specific needs. These commercial relations will remain intact even if the (P)GCC crisis is resolved."
Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Egypt and Bahrain cut diplomatic ties with Qatar and imposed a land, air and sea blockade on it on June 5.