IRNA � Export of non-oil products to Qatar from Bushehr province�s customs office in the first half of the current Iranian year (beginning on March 21) earned the country $56m, said Bushehr Governor Abdolkarim Geravand.


�The province is expected to witness new exports record, if the trend continues,� said Geravand, while referring to the $70m worth exports in the last Iranian year.

He said that construction materials, industrial minerals, fisheries and agricultural products are the major items exported to Qatar.

Geravand referred to the current trade issues between Iran and Qatar, saying, �Qatari businessmen prefer to import goods from the nearest country, Iran, but because our products lack appropriate grading and packing, they tend to substitute our products with other alternatives.�

He also referred to the direct marine line between Bushehr and Qatari Hamad port, adding, �By exploiting the marine line in near future, the trade and tourism relations between the two countries improve.�

Elsewhere in his remarks, Geravand called his recent visit to Qatari al-Ruwais Port a turning point in collaborations with Qatar, paving the way for both countries to develop ties.