BIS UK Department for Business Innovations & Ski : Sanctions relief paves the way for developing UK trade relationship with Iran

On 16 January Implementation Day was triggered following the verification by the International Atomic Energy Agency of Iran meeting its requirements as part of a comprehensive agreement on Iran's nuclear programme. This has resulted in the termination of EU nuclear related financial and economic sanctions, and the suspension of US nuclear related secondary financial and economic sanctions.

As a result, UK Export Finance (), the UK's export credit agency, has reintroduced cover to support UK companies seeking to compete for business in Iran.

Cover is now available on a case-by-case basis in Pounds Sterling and Euros. Within this, and in recognition of the UK's place as a global centre of excellence for financial and professional services, will make available a £50 million facility guaranteeing payments to UK professional advisory service providers advising the government of Iran.

This can cover advice on areas such as: accounting standards; capital market development; compliance with global regulatory requirements; accessing and reducing the cost of financing; and facilitating new trade. will also consider applications for direct lending to purchasers of British exports to Iran.

To improve UK-Iran trade, will work directly with the Export Guarantee Fund of Iran and the Iranian Ministry of Economic Affairs and Finance.

Minister for Trade and Investment, Lord Francis Maude, said:

The UK government fully supports expanding our trade relationship with Iran and we would encourage UK businesses to take advantage of the commercial opportunities that will arise from sanction relief. Following the reopening of the British Embassy in Tehran in August last year, UKTI now has a presence on the ground to support trade between our 2 countries.

UK Trade and Investment and UK Export Finance will be leading a whole of government approach to engage with UK companies to ensure that we are well equipped to benefit from increased trade with Iran as the country re-establishes itself within the international business community.

1. UKTI is the government department that helps UK-based companies succeed in the global economy. We also help overseas companies bring their high quality investment to the UK's economy - acknowledged as Europe's best place from which to succeed in global business. UKTI offers expertise and contacts through its extensive network of specialists in the UK, and in British embassies and other diplomatic offices around the world. We provide companies with the tools they require to be competitive on the world stage. For more information on UKTI, visit www.gov.uk/ukti or telephone [phone].

2. UK Export Finance is the UK's export credit agency. It supports long term economic growth and competitiveness by complementing the private market with insurance for exporters, loan guarantees to banks, and support for and provision of loans to overseas buyers of UK goods and services.

3. The latest information on 's cover position for the Islamic Republic of Iran can be found here: www.gov.uk/guidance/country-cover-policy-and-indicators#iran.