His Excellency Mr Abdolhossein Vahaji, the Ambassador of the Islamic Republic of Iran to Australia, shares his views on Iran’s business, trade, and the bilateral relationship with Australia.

Now that sanctions have been lifted, what are the prospect for Australian business? What may be the implications for Sharia-compliant Islamic banking and finance in bilateral trade relations? And with the number of flights between Australia and the region now running into the hundreds every week, what are the implications for tourism?

His Excellency Mr Abdolhossein Vahaji is the Ambassador of the Islamic Republic of Iran. He has served in his position in Canberra since August 2014. Ambassador Vahaji holds a Bachelor of Commerce from the University of California and a Master of Commerce from the University of Shahid Beheshti in Iran. From 2001 to 2005, Ambassador Vahaji was Deputy Minister for International Affairs of the Ministry of Commerce, and from 1997 to 2001 he served as Deputy Minister for Foreign Trade of the Ministry of Commerce. From 1993 to 1997 he was Chief of Customs and from 1989 to 1993, Minister of Commerce. Ambassador Vahaji speaks Farsi, French and English.