TEHRAN (Iran News) Rahmani Fazli presented a report detailing the latest initiatives, ongoing efforts and planned programs aimed at expanding bilateral ties and enhancing cooperation between the Islamic Republic of Iran and the People’s Republic of China.

Araghchi highlighted the strategic importance of Iran–China relations and reaffirmed the determination of the leaders of both nations to strengthen collaboration across all mutually beneficial areas within the framework of the 25-Year Comprehensive Cooperation Program.

The Iranian Foreign Minister emphasized the need to take all necessary steps to ensure the effective implementation of the bilateral agreements reached between the two sides.

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TEHRAN (Iran News) Minister Farzaneh Sadegh, who is in China to attend the Second International China–Europe Rail Connectivity Forum, told reporters that Iran’s strategic and geopolitical position makes its participation in the event highly influential.

“With the significant volume of freight originating in China, Iran can serve as a gateway to Europe,” Sadegh said.

She confirmed that initial negotiations have begun for launching an electric train service on the Sarakhs–Cheshmeh Soriya route, a key segment that could support China–Europe rail connectivity.

The minister noted that, on the sidelines of the forum, Iran will hold several bilateral and multilateral meetings and conduct inspections of China’s rail infrastructure and capabilities. She emphasized that rail development has played a major role in economic growth for many countries and can do the same for Iran—both on the north–south and east–west transit corridors.

Sadegh added that beyond railway lines, fleet capacity is a major concern. “We face significant shortages in rolling stock, particularly locomotives, and these must be addressed,” she said.

The minister expressed hope that the visit, along with discussions on rail construction and fleet procurement, will pave the way for meaningful progress in updating and expanding Iran’s national railway network.

The Second China–Europe Rail Connectivity Summit was to be held Tuesday in the city of Xi’an, the capital of China’s Shaanxi Province, with participation from officials representing countries along the route, as well as rail industry companies and experts.

Sadegh is accompanied on the trip by Iran’s Deputy Minister and head of the Islamic Republic of Iran Railways, along with two members of Parliament’s Civil Engineering Commission.

Later the minister, speaking on the sidelines of the Second International China–Europe Rail Connectivity Forum in China, said Iran’s strategic and geopolitical position ensures that the reports presented and meetings held at the forum will have meaningful impact.

“With the large volume of freight flows originating in China, Iran can act as the entry point to Europe,” she said, noting that initial discussions on launching the Sarakhs–Cheshmeh Soriya electric rail route have already taken place.

Sadegh added that several bilateral and multilateral meetings, along with visits to China’s rail infrastructure facilities, will be held during the summit. She stressed that railway development has driven economic growth in many countries, and Iran—given its transit potential on both north–south and east–west corridors—can also benefit significantly from expanding its rail network.

The minister highlighted the importance of strengthening Iran’s rail fleet. “Beyond tracks and routes, rolling stock is crucial. We have considerable shortages, especially in locomotives, and these must be addressed,” she said.

Sadegh, a member of the 14th government cabinet, expressed hope that the trip—combined with the studies and negotiations on rail construction and fleet procurement—will lead to practical steps toward developing and restructuring Iran’s national rail system.

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TEHRAN (Iran News) The memorandum of understanding (MoU) was signed on Monday evening, November 10, between an Iranian knowledge-based company and a Chinese industrial firm. The agreement was facilitated through collaboration among Iran’s Ministry of Energy, Ministry of Economic Affairs, and Ministry of Industry, Mine and Trade (MIMT).

This marks the first time Iran will host the transfer and local production of such advanced technology for the renewable energy industry. Under the agreement, the Chinese company will invest $150 million in Iran to establish production and research facilities.

Ali Mahmoudian, CEO of Behin Energy Industrial Group, said the agreement represents a major step toward expanding the use of modern technologies in Iran.

“The use of renewable energy technologies is growing rapidly around the world—and in Iran, this usage doubles every year,” Mahmoudian said. “This trend makes investment in renewables increasingly attractive.”

He noted that under Iran’s Seventh Development Plan, the government is focusing on addressing the country’s electricity imbalance by expanding renewable power generation. More than $15 billion in investment is projected for renewable energy development in the coming years.

Mahmoudian added that localizing inverter production will help Iran save up to $1.5 billion in foreign currency annually, which would otherwise be spent on imports.

“Initially, the components will be imported in CKD (completely knocked-down) form,” he explained. “As the domestic value chain is completed, full local production will be achieved.”

The Behin Energy CEO emphasized that this collaboration aligns with Iran’s national goal of developing 30,000 megawatts of renewable energy capacity.

“This agreement is a crucial step toward achieving that target,” Mahmoudian said.

The cooperation between Iran and China in inverter production is expected to not only strengthen Iran’s renewable energy sector but also advance its technological self-sufficiency in clean energy infrastructure.

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TEHRAN (Iran News) The meeting took place between Mahmoud Najafi-Arab, President of the Tehran Chamber of Commerce, Industries, Mines and Agriculture, and Fereydoun Vardinejad, Secretary General of the Tehran Chamber, with officials from the Shanghai International Association of Small and Medium Enterprises (IASME). The session concluded with the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to expand bilateral relations and joint economic ventures.

Yang Dongsheng, Vice President of the Shanghai IASME, opened the meeting by emphasizing that signing agreements is only the beginning, and that the real importance lies in the implementation of commitments. He proposed that cooperation should start with a few targeted projects addressing Iran’s specific needs.

Yang added that Chinese companies within the association are ready to transfer their technology and equipment to Iran, initiating joint production projects first for the Iranian market and later for regional markets.

Najafi-Arab welcomed the proposal and announced that establishing a smart industrial township in Tehran would be the first practical step in this new partnership. Drawing on China’s successful experience in developing advanced industrial parks, he said the Tehran Chamber is prepared to provide land and basic infrastructure, while Chinese companies could handle design, technology transfer, and project implementation.

According to Najafi-Arab, the proposed industrial park would host innovative small and medium enterprises (SMEs) working in cutting-edge sectors such as artificial intelligence, smart agriculture, and blockchain technology. The initiative aims to foster growth among Iranian knowledge-based companies and enhance the technological level of the country’s manufacturing industries.

He further highlighted the importance of smart agriculture and water resource management, noting that Iran has faced serious water shortages in recent years. Collaborating with Chinese firms in this field, he said, could help reduce water consumption and improve agricultural productivity. Najafi-Arab also pointed to opportunities in greenhouse farming and the adoption of modern Chinese technologies to improve both the quantity and quality of agricultural output.

Addressing renewable energy, Najafi-Arab revealed that Iran currently has 30,000–35,000 megawatts of solar energy projects under development. He expressed Iran’s interest in Chinese investment in this sector, emphasizing that while solar panel production already exists in Iran, access to China’s high-efficiency technologies—particularly for small and medium installations—remains crucial.

Najafi-Arab also discussed the pharmaceutical industry, describing Iran as one of the region’s leaders in drug production. He suggested that joint ventures with Chinese pharmaceutical firms in producing raw materials and medical equipment could boost Iran’s exports to neighboring countries and even Europe. He noted that while much of Iran’s pharmaceutical raw material currently comes from China, many of these materials are derived from Iranian petrochemical products, making local co-production both cost-effective and strategically beneficial.

Yang Dongsheng responded by expressing China’s readiness to invest and transfer technology to Iran. He highlighted Chinese companies’ experience in producing high-standard fertilizers, pharmaceuticals, artificial intelligence, and digitalized production systems. Yang also mentioned their willingness to cooperate with Iranian drug manufacturers in producing various antibiotics, as well as to invest in solar power projects similar to those already implemented by Chinese firms in countries like Egypt.

“I am surprised that such extensive cooperation has not yet taken place between our countries,” Yang remarked, adding that China is ready to help Iran develop solar farms to meet part of its energy needs.

Yang announced plans to visit Tehran early next year with a business delegation from Chinese SMEs to explore potential partnerships and hold B2B meetings with Iranian entrepreneurs. “China ”

In addressing the issue of financial transactions under sanctions, Najafi-Arab suggested that a significant portion of Chinese investment could be made in the form of machinery, equipment, and technology, eliminating the need for money transfers. These assets, he said, would be priced and counted as part of the Chinese partners’ capital contributions. Additionally, some trade could take place through barter arrangements.

The meeting concluded with the signing of a joint memorandum of understanding between the Tehran Chamber of Commerce and the Shanghai IASME to enhance bilateral cooperation. Najafi-Arab stated that this MoU marks the beginning of a new phase in industrial and technological collaboration between the Iranian and Chinese private sectors, paving the way for SME development, technology transfer, and foreign investment in Iran.

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TEHRAN (Iran News) During the ceremony, Fereydoun Verdi-Nejad, who previously served as Iran’s ambassador to China, emphasized the urgent need to strengthen private sector economic relations between the two nations.

Verdi-Nejad highlighted the global context in which Iran and China now operate, noting that “intense international competition and Western—particularly American—efforts to diminish the role of Asia in global value chains make it essential for Iran and China to collaborate on securing regional and global supply chains.”

He urged Iran to develop joint projects with China in key sectors such as advanced agriculture, telecommunications, pharmaceuticals, mining, modern infrastructure, and food industries. By leveraging its logistical advantages, transit routes, and untapped natural reserves, Iran could become a key technological partner in major regional initiatives such as China’s Belt and Road Initiative and the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), he said.

The Tehran Chamber’s Secretary-General presented a number of practical proposals for enhancing bilateral trade and investment. He emphasized the importance of Iran and China joining international and regional coalitions that resist unilateral sanctions and promote multilateralism and rule-based trade systems.

Verdi-Nejad also called for the creation of a regional dialogue forum aimed at ensuring the security of energy production and supply chains and strengthening transit corridors across Asia. To that end, he proposed forming a joint operational task force to oversee the implementation of the 25-year comprehensive cooperation agreement between Iran and China, with a clear timetable and regular progress reports.

One of his more innovative suggestions was the creation of a digital platform to monitor bilateral and multilateral cooperation. This would include a digital barter system allowing trade in goods using Iranian rials and Chinese yuan, backed by the two countries’ central banks.

Verdi-Nejad also urged enhanced cooperation within the Shanghai Cooperation Organization to address legal and cyber threats to national economies. “Joint scientific and practical collaboration is essential to counter sanctions and organized cyber and physical attacks on productive assets,” he said.

The former ambassador proposed establishing joint financial institutions and insurance mechanisms to facilitate trade, along with mutual transport companies in the road and rail sectors. Such ventures could link western China through Iran to Europe, extending as far as the Netherlands—further advancing the Belt and Road vision.

He underscored the need for preferential and supportive tariffs to enhance market competitiveness and attract Chinese investment in renewable energy, suggesting “a cooperative business model” to structure these partnerships.

Verdi-Nejad also called for stronger cooperation between the private sectors and chambers of commerce of both countries, saying Iran must create “legal, commercial, and transport infrastructure” to actively integrate into regional value chains. Private sector participation in platforms such as the Boao Forum for Asia and other Asian and Eurasian dialogues would, he argued, give Iran a stronger presence in the evolving Asian economic architecture.

Alaeddin Boroujerdi, head of the Iran-China Friendship Group and current member of parliament, echoed these views in his remarks. He said Iran, as one of the world’s largest oil and gas producers, possesses vast untapped potential that must be realized through concrete action. “The 25-year cooperation roadmap between our two countries is a vital framework,” he said, adding that it is now the responsibility of Iranian officials—particularly diplomats in China—to implement it.

Boroujerdi also stressed the central role of Iran’s people and private sector in overcoming the country’s challenges. “Since the victory of the Islamic Revolution, the Iranian people have been key to solving national problems,” he said. “In today’s economic arena, the private sector, represented by the Chamber of Commerce, must play a leading role in advancing trade and development.”

He urged the Iranian government to empower private enterprises by transferring operational responsibilities for commercial and economic affairs from state institutions to private hands.

Ali Mohammadi, Iran’s Consul General in Shanghai, referred to the centuries-old ties between Iran and China dating back to the ancient Silk Road. He noted that the bilateral relationship is “founded not merely on economic interests but on mutual respect and strategic cooperation.”

He described the new trade development center as a platform that could strengthen collaboration in high-tech industries, knowledge-based production, and the supply of industrial raw materials.

“The Consulate stands ready to assist business leaders from both nations,” Mohammadi said. “We will use every diplomatic and administrative resource available to help the private sectors of Iran and China expand their cooperation in a secure and efficient environment.”

At the conclusion of the ceremony, Ebrahim Yousef-Nejad, head of the newly established Iran Trade Development Center in Shanghai, presented plaques of appreciation to Fereydoun Verdi-Nejad, Alaeddin Boroujerdi, and Ali Mohammadi for their contributions to strengthening Iran-China relations.

As a symbolic gesture, Mahmoud Najafi Arab and Fereydoun Verdi-Nejad signed a commemorative poster marking the opening of the center—signaling a renewed commitment to deepening economic ties between the two nations, with the private sector taking the lead in a new era of cooperation.

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TEHRAN (Iran News) The meeting, held between Bahman Abdollahi, President of the Iran Chamber of Cooperatives, and Zhong Peiwu, Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China to Iran, focused on assessing the current state of economic and cooperative relations between the two countries and exploring new mechanisms to deepen collaboration.

During the talks, Abdollahi highlighted the significant potential of both nations in advancing people-centered and social economies. He noted that despite international sanctions, Iran’s cooperative sector has never been targeted and therefore remains one of the most secure and dependable channels for economic partnership with friendly countries such as China.

“We propose the establishment of a Joint Cooperative Cooperation Committee between Iran and China,” Abdollahi stated. “This committee will provide a platform for planning and executing joint projects, exchanging trade delegations, and organizing specialized exhibitions in both Tehran and Beijing.”

He explained that Iran currently has over 104,000 active cooperatives engaged in agriculture, industry, services, housing, and manufacturing, while China operates more than two million cooperatives. These extensive networks, he said, can serve as a strong foundation for expanding people-oriented economic cooperation.

Abdollahi emphasized that Iran and China already share a Comprehensive Strategic Cooperation Agreement and hold joint membership on the Board of the International Cooperative Alliance (ICA) — an institutional framework that supports deeper bilateral collaboration.

The current trade volume between the two countries stands at approximately $14 billion, he said, but given their vast economic capacities, this figure could increase significantly through structured cooperation.

The discussions centered on expanding partnerships in agriculture, mining, petrochemicals, and transportation, with an emphasis on technology transfer, innovation, and sustainable development.

Addressing Iran’s agricultural challenges, Abdollahi noted the country’s vulnerability to climate change and limited water resources. He called for increased collaboration with China in areas such as modern irrigation systems, seed production, livestock vaccines, and feed additives.

“China has made remarkable progress in agricultural science and food production technologies,” he said. “We are eager to benefit from these experiences to enhance domestic production and ensure food security.”

On industrial cooperation, Abdollahi invited Chinese companies to participate in mineral processing, petrochemical projects, and value-added production to reduce the export of raw materials. Such cooperation, he added, could meet both domestic Iranian demand and part of the Chinese market’s requirements.

The Iranian cooperative leader also expressed appreciation for Beijing’s principled stance against unilateral sanctions on Iran.

“China’s official decision to reject the so-called ‘snapback’ sanctions and maintain commercial ties with Iran reflects the depth of our strategic relationship,” Abdollahi said. “We value this firm and consistent approach, which supports sustainable growth in both countries.”

Ambassador Zhong Peiwu welcomed the growing momentum in Iran–China relations, stressing the need to reinforce mutual trust and fully implement the agreements reached by the presidents of both nations.

“Economic and cooperative relations are a vital component of the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between China and Iran,” Zhong remarked. “These collaborations strengthen the historic friendship between our two peoples.”

He noted that the areas of potential cooperation are broad — spanning agriculture, marine industries, and fisheries — and reiterated China’s readiness to work with the Iran Chamber of Cooperatives to advance knowledge-sharing, technological exchange, and innovation.

Zhong also supported the formation of the proposed Joint Cooperative Committee, describing it as an effective mechanism for monitoring and implementing bilateral agreements.

Another key topic discussed was the facilitation of visa issuance for business and cooperative representatives. Abdollahi urged the Chinese Embassy to expedite the visa process to help Iranian cooperatives participate in exhibitions and trade fairs in China.

In response, Ambassador Zhong announced improvements in consular procedures, noting that once documentation is complete, visas can be issued within four to five working days.

Both sides also agreed to prepare an updated version of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the China Cooperative Organization and the Iran Chamber of Cooperatives, which is expected to be finalized and signed during the Asia-Pacific Cooperative Conference in Colombo, Sri Lanka.

Abdollahi and Zhong concluded the meeting by emphasizing the importance of forming a Permanent Joint Cooperative Committee to ensure continuity in bilateral engagement and oversee the implementation of cooperative agreements.

The committee will coordinate joint projects, organize exhibitions, facilitate business delegations, and identify new areas of investment.

The meeting was attended by several senior Iranian cooperative officials, including Hossein Dar, Chairman of the Industrial, Mining, Petrochemical, and Energy Commission; Mr. Masoudi, Chairman of the Agriculture and Food Industries Commission; and Mr. Ghaedi, Head of the Trade Development and Non-Oil Export Commission.

Participants discussed a range of technical and economic topics, such as importing equipment and plastic injection molds for downstream petrochemical industries, establishing credit lines for cooperative enterprises, and importing agricultural inputs like corn and soybeans. They also explored collaboration opportunities in veterinary vaccine production, irrigation technology, and knowledge exchange between economic stakeholders in both countries.

With both nations pledging to deepen institutional cooperation and sustain high-level dialogue, the formation of a Permanent Joint Cooperative Committee marks a significant step forward in realizing the full potential of the Iran–China strategic economic partnership.

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TEHRAN (Iran News) She became the first Iranian woman to summit all 14 of the world’s highest mountains above 8,000 meters, following her successful ascent of Mt. Cho Oyu (8,188m).

Hesami Fard reached the summit of the world’s sixth-highest mountain along with fellow climbers Chung-Han Lu from Taiwan and Anar Burasheva from Kazakhstan.” iran”

With this achievement, she joined a select global circle of climbers who have scaled all of the world’s 8,000ers – a distinction previously held by only one Iranian, Azim Gheichisaz, in the men’s category.

Cho Oyu (8,188m), straddling the Nepal-China border, is the sixth-highest mountain in the world and a popular objective for seasoned climbers pursuing all 14 of the world’s highest peaks.

Hesami Fard reached the summit of the world’s sixth-highest mountain along with fellow climbers Chung-Han Lu from Taiwan and Anar Burasheva from Kazakhstan.” iran”

With this achievement, she joined a select global circle of climbers who have scaled all of the world’s 8,000ers – a distinction previously held by only one Iranian, Azim Gheichisaz, in the men’s category.

Cho Oyu (8,188m), straddling the Nepal-China border, is the sixth-highest mountain in the world and a popular objective for seasoned climbers pursuing all 14 of the world’s highest peaks.

Hesami Fard reached the summit of the world’s sixth-highest mountain along with fellow climbers Chung-Han Lu from Taiwan and Anar Burasheva from Kazakhstan.” iran”

With this achievement, she joined a select global circle of climbers who have scaled all of the world’s 8,000ers – a distinction previously held by only one Iranian, Azim Gheichisaz, in the men’s category.

Cho Oyu (8,188m), straddling the Nepal-China border, is the sixth-highest mountain in the world and a popular objective for seasoned climbers pursuing all 14 of the world’s highest peaks.

The post Iranian Woman Hesami Fard Joins 8000-Meter Peak Club appeared first on Iran News Daily.

TEHRAN (Iran News) Nouri—currently visiting the southwestern Chinese city of Kunming to attend the SCO summit—said the meeting is focused on strengthening agricultural cooperation, increasing exchanges among member countries, and identifying ways to deepen relations.

Calling SCO member states key agricultural partners for Iran, Nouri highlighted that nations such as China, Russia, India, Pakistan, and Central Asian countries are crucial trade allies. He said Iran seeks to expand economic and agricultural relations with these countries both bilaterally and through SCO frameworks.

Currently, Iran-China agricultural trade stands at around $1 billion, with exports and imports fairly balanced. However, Nouri stated that given the strong foundations of bilateral relations, the figure can feasibly double to $2 billion in the near term.

He also identified fisheries as a particularly promising area for cooperation and expressed optimism that this visit would help pave the way for accelerated and expanded joint ventures.

Underscoring Iran’s strategic outlook on China, the minister emphasized that the Islamic Republic is committed to deepening and strengthening its relations with Beijing.

During a separate meeting with Belarusian Minister of Agriculture Yuri Gorlov, the two sides reaffirmed their commitment to expanding bilateral agricultural ties.

Minister Nouri thanked Belarus for its supportive stance during the Israeli regime’s aggression and expressed Iran’s readiness to cooperate in areas including agricultural mechanization, livestock farming, dairy industries, and joint fertilizer production projects. He also highlighted Iran’s interest in exporting fruits, vegetables, and dried nuts to Belarus.

Minister Gorlov reiterated Belarus’s support for Iran’s principled positions and commended the active Iranian presence at this year’s agricultural expo in Minsk. He welcomed the progress in agricultural cooperation between the two countries.

With President Raisi’s upcoming visit to Minsk, both parties agreed to sign three cooperation agreements covering veterinary and livestock quarantine, forestry, and agricultural research.

Meanwhile Minister Nouri also met with his Tajik counterpart, Qurbon Hakimzoda, to discuss strengthening agricultural cooperation.

Referencing Iran’s foreign policy focus on deepening ties with neighboring and friendly countries, Nouri said enhanced agricultural collaboration is a key part of these strategic efforts. He stressed the importance of food security and reaffirmed Iran’s commitment to joint agricultural projects.

Nouri thanked Tajikistan’s government and people for their solidarity during recent Israeli attacks and for standing by Iran.

Minister Hakimzoda praised the resilience of the Iranian people and reiterated Tajikistan’s support for Iran. He expressed satisfaction with the successful implementation of the countries’ first joint agricultural committee and welcomed the progress on previous agreements.

The two ministers discussed investment opportunities in food processing industries, development of agricultural mechanization, livestock, aquaculture, and other key sectors. They also agreed to convene the second joint agricultural committee meeting in the near future.

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TEHRAN (Iran News)  Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi has departed from Tehran for Tianjin, China, to attend the meeting of the Foreign Ministers Council of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (S.C.O.).

The Iranian foreign minister will address the gathering that will be held on July 15. He is also scheduled to meet with his Chinese counterpart as well as several other foreign ministers on the sidelines of the event.

Iran’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baqaei already announced the top diplomat’s trip to China on Sunday. The spokesperson told reporters that the meeting of the Foreign Ministers Council is tasked with coordinating the upcoming heads of state summit of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization.

The Iranian foreign minister will address the gathering that will be held on July 15. He is also scheduled to meet with his Chinese counterpart as well as several other foreign ministers on the sidelines of the event.

Iran’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baqaei already announced the top diplomat’s trip to China on Sunday. The spokesperson told reporters that the meeting of the Foreign Ministers Council is tasked with coordinating the upcoming heads of state summit of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization.

The Iranian foreign minister will address the gathering that will be held on July 15. He is also scheduled to meet with his Chinese counterpart as well as several other foreign ministers on the sidelines of the event.

Iran’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baqaei already announced the top diplomat’s trip to China on Sunday. The spokesperson told reporters that the meeting of the Foreign Ministers Council is tasked with coordinating the upcoming heads of state summit of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization.

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TEHRAN (Iran News) Dehnavi explained that a significant portion of Iran’s trade with China currently consists of crude and semi-processed mineral and petroleum products. These goods naturally attract buyers without much marketing effort. However, he stressed that the organization’s core mission is to develop exports of products that sit further down the value chain.

He argued that a well-formulated strategy—featuring joint investments, integration into global value chains (especially those centered in China), and technological cooperation—could enable Iran to export more high value-added products to China. Even if such ventures do not directly increase exports to China, they could serve as a launchpad for entering other markets, he noted.

“We’re prepared to introduce joint investment projects and are ready to engage with Chinese investors to form practical collaborations,” Dehnavi said, adding that discussions have already taken place at the political level to facilitate this.

The TPO chief also emphasized the importance of expanding e-commerce with China, pointing to recent developments on JD.com, one of China’s largest online retail platforms. He announced that Iranian products can now be listed on JD, creating an avenue for direct-to-consumer sales in China—an opportunity he believes should be utilized more aggressively.

Dehnavi also addressed logistics issues, explaining that Iran’s trade route with China currently relies almost entirely on sea freight. However, a northern railway corridor through Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, and Kazakhstan can also be used to reach China. He encouraged traders—especially those targeting western Chinese markets or operating out of Iran’s northeast—to use this route. The TPO is ready to offer incentives and logistical support to encourage the use of rail transport, he said, noting that a two-way flow of goods is necessary for the route to become fully operational.

Also speaking at the session, Majid-Reza Hariri, head of the Iran-China Chamber of Commerce, highlighted ongoing structural issues in Iran’s trade with China. He noted that over 90% of Iran’s exports to China are crude or semi-processed goods, mainly handled by state-owned enterprises. Manufactured goods make up less than 10% of the trade volume, he said.

Hariri emphasized the urgent need for both policy reform and greater private sector engagement to diversify and expand non-oil exports to China. He reiterated that numerous opportunities exist, especially via online sales platforms like JD, but lamented the prevailing skepticism among Iranian exporters about their ability to sell to Chinese consumers.

Discussing Iran’s traditional carpet industry, Hariri said Iran began exporting carpets to China in 2009, and the product has since developed a strong market presence. However, he warned that the market is now under serious threat due to widespread counterfeiting, which has eroded consumer trust and jeopardized the reputation of authentic Iranian carpets.

To protect this market, Hariri called for immediate and robust measures, including legal protections and trade monitoring, to curb the spread of counterfeit Iranian rugs in China.

He also pointed to a broader issue impacting trade: the shortage of foreign currency. According to Central Bank statistics, state-run exporters repatriated only 60% of their foreign earnings in the previous year, exacerbating Iran’s foreign currency challenges and affecting the broader import economy.

The session concluded with a shared understanding that enhancing Iran’s export capabilities to China—both in volume and quality—requires a coordinated strategy, stronger private sector involvement, and systematic efforts to combat challenges like counterfeit goods and currency repatriation.

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