Addressing a meeting of more than 20 participants from Slovenia and 40 from Iran, Speaker Janko Veber pointed to frequent bilateral contacts in the recent period as a proof of good relations between the two countries.

Even though the volume of merchandise trade between the nations has been modest in recent years, at EUR 25.5m in 2013, Iran is the third most important trade partner in the region for Slovenia, Veber noted.

The interest of Slovenian companies to do business in Iran is considerable and has been growing recently and Veber was hopeful for Iranian businesses to become more keen to do business in Slovenia too.

The conference saw Slovenian and Iranian officials agree cooperation opportunities, president of the Slovenian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GZS) Samo Hribar Milič has told the STA.

One problem of Slovenian companies is that their business partners from Iran have it very hard to get visas to enter Slovenia. "This is a key problem at the moment, aside from financing, which remains hampered by the embargo," he said.

As areas with potential to boost cooperation, Veber highlighted agriculture, pharmaceutical, electronic and automotive industries, furniture and interior equipment industries, tourism and transport.

He singled out the IT sector in particular as one of the most dynamic and promising industries in Slovenia, employing over 20,000 people in more than 2,600 companies.

Veber also mentioned the possibility of cooperation in third markets such as South East Europe, where Slovenian companies have a wealth of experience, Veber said as cited in a press release from parliament.

Veber was also scheduled to meet today Speaker of the Islamic Consultative Assembly Ali Larijani, Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif, Minister of Industry, Mining and Trade Mohammad Reza Nematzadeh and other senior Iranian officials.

Another bilateral business conference will be held in Isfahan, Iran's third largest city, on Monday.