Iran Chamber of Commerce, Industries, Mines and Agriculture

Iran business leaders urge deeper strategic economic cooperation with China

Iranian business leaders presented more than 30 proposals aimed at expanding economic cooperation with China during a meeting on Wednesday with Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, the Supreme Leader’s special representative in China affairs, ahead of his trip to the Asian country.

The meeting brought together the president and other board members of Iran Chamber of Commerce, Industries, Mines, and Agriculture, representatives of local chambers of commerce, specialized commissions, business associations and joint chambers of commerce. Speaking at the meeting, Qadir Qiafeh, vice president of the Iran Chamber, said Tehran should first understand China’s development model and align its long-term strategy with Beijing’s goals for 2035 and 2050 to make the Iranian market a priority destination for Chinese businesses. He said China’s current priorities include artificial intelligence, advanced technologies and electric vehicles, adding that Iran should tailor its development plans accordingly. Qiafeh also called for greater Chinese investment to advance the Belt and Road Initiative in Iran and establish the country as a regional hub linking the Persian Gulf and Eurasia. “To make Iran the gateway connecting China to West Asia, extensive investment and the participation of Chinese investors are required,” he said. The Iran Chamber is preparing a roadmap for developing economic relations with China, Qiafeh said, adding that Tehran and Beijing should consider establishing a joint investment fund and focus their long-term cooperation on value chains, logistics, energy, mining, mineral industries and advanced technologies. He said such cooperation could help transform Iran from an exporter of raw and semi-processed materials into an exporter of high-value-added products. Qiafeh stressed that expanding relations with China would require a secure and stable environment for Chinese investors and Iranian businesses, adding that one of the most important steps toward making Iran a strategic partner for China would be ensuring stability in laws governing foreign investment.
Iran Chamber of Commerce, Industries, Mines and Agriculture

Iran Chamber of Commerce, Industries, Mines and Agriculture

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