The leading Iranian diesel automotive manufacturer, Iran Khodro Diesel (IKD), says it will export heavy and commercial vehicles to Gambia.

Deputy managing director of IKD for export affairs Ali Ebrahimi and Gambia's Foreign Minister Bala Garba Jahumpa signed the $ 2b deal for export of heavy and commercial vehicles, including buses and trucks, to Gambia, IRNA news agency has reported.

Addressing the ceremony held for signing the deal, the Gambian Foreign Minister said, "Gambia has planned to secure bulk of the needs of its transportation fleet from IKD given the Company's increasing capability in manufacturing and designing various kinds of vehicles."

"Expansion of ties between Iran and Gambia is a major factor for our tendency to purchase such vehicles from Iran", he noted.

The Iranian official, for his part, said African countries are IKD's top priority for export, adding that IKD has signed two major deals for export of heavy vehicles to Ivory Coast and Gambia during this Iranian year.

He stressed, "Gambia is committed to provide us with the required equipment for setting up post-sale services."

MRD/IS