Iran-Export
Earnings from non-oil commodities export, for the first time, reached fifty percent of the total value of commodities imported during March 2007-2008, Vice President for Executive Affairs Ali Saeedlou said here on Tuesday.

He made the remarks on the sideline of a ceremony to inaugurate a new truck production line of Saipa Diesel.

Saeedlou put the earnings from non-oil commodities export and the value of imports at dlrs 22 billion and dlrs 44 billion respectively.

Referring to the significant share of auto industry in the national economy, he underlined that Iran auto industry accounts for 3.4 percent of gross domestic product.

He also underlined the need to phase out old cars and replace them with new and environment friendly ones as this could help reduce air pollution and fuel consumption, make the flow of traffic smoother and provide a healthy environment both for car owners and citizens.