Strengthening Ties with Neighboring and Regional Countries Has Become a Strategic Priority

TEHRAN (Iran News) Aref made these remarks during a meeting with members of the Iran-China Chamber of Commerce and Industry. He noted that Iran had lacked an active private sector in previous decades, but that a competitive, rather than exclusionary, private sector is now emerging. He added that with the government’s recent policies focusing on the private sector, this segment can take a leading role in managing the country’s economy.

Aref stated that through the implementation of various development programs, the government concluded that private sector involvement is essential. “We cannot rely solely on government resources and control for national progress and development,” he said, adding that global experience has shown that the private sector, operating within legal frameworks, must play a leading role in the economy.

He further noted that since the implementation of general policies under Article 44 of the Constitution, there are no barriers to private sector participation in any field. “In the 14th government, we have reached the consensus that the private sector must be utilized in all areas. It pursues profit and efficiency, and as such, tends to make fewer mistakes,” he said.

Highlighting global technological advances driven by the private sector, Aref stressed that Iran must follow the same path. He reiterated the importance of developing ties with China, saying that the primary focus of the 14th government’s foreign policy is to strengthen relations with neighboring countries and those sharing common civilizational values.

Aref added that Iran and China have had longstanding commercial, cultural, and social ties over the centuries. Through tourism and people-to-people exchanges in recent decades, the two nations are not unfamiliar with each other. Based on these historical connections, he believes a future strategic relationship can be further developed.

He also emphasized expanding scientific and technological cooperation between the two countries and thanked Iran’s private sector for its efforts in enhancing economic relations with China over recent decades. He noted that the 14th government believes in public participation and the role of the private sector. “The Iran-China Chamber of Commerce should step forward on behalf of the private sector to deepen economic ties with China. There are no obstacles to expanding relations with this country. Administrative barriers faced by entrepreneurs and economic actors must be removed through collaboration between the two governments,” he added.

Aref concluded by stating that Iran and China are both eager to strengthen their relations and that the private sector must find its footing in investment and economic cooperation with neighboring and regional countries. He called for the formation of a dedicated task force to identify and resolve challenges to bilateral cooperation and project implementation.

Also during the session, Majidreza Hariri, President of the Iran-China Chamber of Commerce, stressed that the chamber’s capacities and resources are at the service of the 14th government’s goals. He said the Iran-China Chamber and the private sector can play a vital role in developing innovation, technology, industry, and transportation cooperation, aiding the government in strengthening economic relations with China as one of Iran’s key strategic partners.

In closing, participants in the meeting shared their suggestions and solutions for maximizing the potential of Iran-China cooperation and addressing current challenges to deepening bilateral ties.