Message of the First Secretary and Head of Commercial & Economic Section of the British Embassy in Tehran

I am pleased to have been asked to write a short personal message to the IBCCIM’s quarterly magazine, following my recent arrival in Tehran. I take over from Eric Jenkinson as Head of the Commercial and Economic Section in the British Embassy at a time when trade between Iran and the United Kingdom is gaining more and more momentum. The figure of £450 million worth of UK exports to Iran in the last year mask a larger figure if we were to include re-exports through Persian Gulf countries. Equally I have discovered that the level of United Kingdom business interest in Iran is increasing recognisably. So I arrive at a time when our commercial relations look brighter than they have done for many years. My mission will be to continue to assist the growth of our bilateral trade.

In the coming year this Embassy's Commercial Section is already aware of a large UK Trade Mission to the Oil and Gas Show, and individual missions from the Birmingham Chamber of Commerce, the British Electrical and Allied Manufacturer’s Association and several other UK trade associations. The level of business interest extends to Ministerial level too and at the moment we are awaiting confirmation that a UK Minister will accompany the British Mission to the Tehran Oil and Gas Exhibition. This is very
encouraging, and we extend the hope that Iranian businessmen will travel to the United Kingdom with Iranian missions, and to UK exhibitions in similar numbers.

During my time in Tehran I also hope to travel to other parts of Iran not only in an official capacity but also to continue my personal interest in history and archaeology, both of which subjects this country is so famous for. I am sure that this posting will prove to be as interesting and rewarding as my contacts have told me it would be.

I look forward to meeting many of the Chamber's members in the coming months.

Yours Sincerely,

Graeme Thomas
First Secretary and Head of Commercial & Economic Section
British Embassy, Tehran