Speaking to a group of manufacturers on the sidelines of the 25th Iran, Oil, Gas, Refining and Petrochemical Exhibition on Monday, Mr. Zangeneh said human resources available in the country had made Iran withstand the hardships in recent years.

“If international cooperation forms correctly, they will lead to growth. You (local manufacturers) must never be satisfied with Iran as your only market and must certainly target other markets as well,” he said.

He further voiced his support for local manufacturers, adding: “If you are planning to work with foreign partners, you must ask them for market presence as presence in markets is now regarded as a form of technology.”