MNA� Franz Gasselsberger, the CEO of Austria�s Oberbank is visiting Tehran at the head of a senior economy and trade delegation accompanied by Josef P�hringer, the Governor of Upper Austria.


�Austria supports the enhancement of the credit ranking of the Islamic Republic of Iran,� said Dr. Franz Gasselsberger, the Chairman of the Management Board and the Chief Executive Officer of Austria�s Oberbank AG Linz, in Tehran on Thursday. Gasselsberger who is accompanied by Josef P�hringer, the Governor of Upper Austria, one of the nine states of Austria, is heading a senior economy and trade delegation to Tehran and made the remark during his meeting with senior officials of the Central Bank of the Islamic Republic of Iran; Akbar Komijani, the Deputy Governor, and Gholamali Kamyab, the Vice Governor for Foreign Exchange Affairs.

His remarks get more spotlight as the latest credit ranking of Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) shows Iran one place higher than former ranking at the 6th.

Slovakian Deputy Prime Minister for Investments and Information Peter Pellegrini, who was visiting Tehran on Tuesday told Iran's Economic Affairs and Finance Minister Ali Tayyebnia that Iran�s economic growth is noticeable.

�We believe that the risk of investment in Iran is lower and lower yearly,� said Pellegrini recounting the reason of the Iran�s better ranking in OECD�s report. �Now there is a positive impression of Iran�s market unanimously held that it is no longer risky to invest in Iran.�

On the other hand, Gasselsberger described the banking cooperation between the two countries as positive. �Based on the agreements made between the two countries, good relations have been established and now we are in communication with 21 Iranian banks.�

He held that Oberbank is the only Austrian bank directly interacting and transacting with Iranian banks. �Austrian companies are interested in developing cooperation with Iran and currently concerted talks are being held to broker new financial deals.� �Gasselsberger voiced hope that the new contracts give the other businessmen and traders the reassurance to expand their endevours.