Norway's fisheries minister has indicated that a newly sanctions-free Iran could become a lucrative seafood market for the Scandinavian country.

"With the repeal of sanctions, we are facing a unique opportunity," said Per Sandberg on June 21. "It's not every day a market with 80 million people opens overnight."

In September, Sandberg will become the first Norwegian minister to visit Iran since sanctions were lifted in January. Accompanied by an industry delegation of seafood suppliers and maritime companies, the minister will size up the local aquaculture industry.

"The Norwegian aquaculture industry is a world leader when it comes to knowledge and technology," he said.

"We are seeing increasing interest in our solutions. Iran has made it clear that they want growth in their aquaculture and this may provide opportunities for the Norwegian suppliers."

Sandberg also believes it is possible to increase seafood exports to Iran.

"Norway exports fish to 140 countries. It is important to constantly develop new markets. Currently we sell small fish to Iran, but we see a positive trend and the potential could be huge," he said.

By Undercurrent News