[Iran] - NDF reveals cooperation with China on foreign investment

INSUBCONTINENT EXCLUSIVE:
TEHRAN Hossein Eyvazlou, a member of the executive board of Irans National Development Fund (NDF), announced plans for partnership with
China in the field of foreign financial investment in Iran.Speaking at an interview on Saturday, January 4, Eyvazlou highlighted the value
of drawing in foreign capital to enhance Irans financial tasks, highlighting the function of strategic collaborations with countries like
China.Details on the scope and nature of the cooperation were not revealed, but it is anticipated to focus on essential sectors that align
with Irans long-term development goals.On December 20, a Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) representative announced that the Chinese
investors are prepared to fund the construction of combined-cycle power plants in Irans energy-rich Khuzestan province to help resolve the
nations energy imbalance and increase regional financial development.Zhao Bin He, the Executive Director of SCOs Iran Office, made the
remarks during a conference with Khuzestans governor and regional religious leaders
We are here to pay our respects to provincial authorities and detail Chinas plans for reinforcing economic and trade ties, with a particular
concentrate on Khuzestan, Zhao said.He highlighted the historical and long-lasting relationship between Iran and China, explaining it as
built on shared respect, economic cooperation, and cultural exchange.Khuzestans tactical position in southwest Iran and its vast financial
capacity make it a key gamer in boosting Iran-China relations, Zhao included
With access to the Persian Gulf and distance to strong local economies, Khuzestan offers remarkable opportunities for port infrastructure
development and maritime transport.Zhao repeated Chinas readiness to actively participate in developing Khuzestans infrastructure, expanding
port capability, and exploring joint projects in energy, industry, and agriculture.We are also available to working together on sports
facilities development in the province, he included
In spite of sanctions, Iran has attained exceptional progress in clinical, financial, and political arenas, reflecting the determination and
abilities of its people.Also in a conference in between the financial operators of Irans southern Hormozgan province and Cong Peiwu, Chinas
Ambassador to Iran, hung on December 10 to explore opportunities for economic, cultural, and trade cooperation in between the 2 nations,
Mohammadreza Safa, the head of the Hormozgan Chamber of Commerce, highlighted the provinces financial investment capacity in maritime and
mining industries, stating: We hope the challenges dealing with Hormozgans economic operators will be dealt with
Our demand is to facilitate visa issuance for organization and tourist professionals to streamline processes.He emphasized the Chambers
preparedness to send out trade delegations to China and welcome Chinese investors to Hormozgan.Chinas Ambassador Cong Peiwu highlighted the
provinces strategic significance for trade relations, calling Hormozgan among the very best regions to expand financial and investment
partnerships.Chinas economic development, which has protected the 2nd global ranking in recent years, benefits not only China however also
other countries, including Iran, Cong stated.He kept in mind that diplomatic ties, enhanced considering that 1971, reached a milestone with
the 25-year cooperation contract signed in 2016
Cong highlighted the agricultural and food sectors as crucial locations for boosted cooperation, stressing the capacity for exporting
Iranian fruit and vegetables, such as fruits, dried fruits, and seafood, to China.Chinese customers have a strong choice for seafood,
creating considerable chances for Iranian items in the Chinese market, he said.Addressing instructional and cultural exchanges, the envoy
pointed out that Chinese universities use beneficial conditions for Iranian students, while Chinese trainees likewise show interest in
studying in Iran
The presence of Chinese trainees at the University of Hormozgan enhances cultural ties, he added.The ambassador further highlighted maritime
transport as an essential area for cooperation, especially through the revival of maritime trade routes known as the Maritime Silk Road
He explained these routes as important for reinforcing sustainable trade in between the 2 countries.The ambassador even more acknowledged
external pressures on China-Iran relations, asserting their resilience
The ties between our two countries are stronger than ever
We do not support financial warfare of any kind
The future of Iran-China cooperation is bright, with financial, cultural, and trade relations as leading concerns, Cong stated.During the
meeting, the tactical capabilities of Bandar Abbas and Jask were presented as essential financial hubs, with Hormozgan officials reiterating
the provinces readiness to attract Chinese investors.The conversations prepared for more initiatives to take advantage of financial,
cultural, and academic opportunities in between Iran and China.Iran and China have enhanced their economic relations in the last few years,
particularly through the 25-year Comprehensive Strategic Partnership Agreement checked in 2021
The offer consists of cooperation in areas such as energy, facilities, transport, innovation, and trade, with China dedicated to investing
billions of dollars in Irans crucial sectors.China remains Irans largest trading partner, with bilateral trade exceeding $14 billion in 2023
Iran exports crude oil, petrochemicals, and minerals to China, while importing commercial equipment, electronics, and consumer goods
In addition, both countries are partners in major global structures, including the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) and Chinas Belt
and Road Initiative (BRI), which aim to enhance regional connection and infrastructure development.The energy sector plays an essential role
in Iran-China cooperation, with Chinese firms associated with establishing Irans oil and gas fields, along with power generation projects
Zhaos statement of financial investment strategies in Khuzestan aligns with Chinas more comprehensive method to enhance its presence in the
Middle East and assist deal with Irans energy needs.As Iran seeks to attract foreign financial investment regardless of international
sanctions, cooperation with China offers an important lifeline for its financial development and infrastructure development.EF/ MA