Iran and China Unite: Launch of Joint Cooperative Committee to Strengthen Bilateral Ties
In a recent meeting between Bahman Abdollahi, the head of the Iran Chamber of Cooperatives, and Cong Peiwu, the Chinese ambassador to Iran, both parties emphasized the enduring strategic partnership between Tehran and Beijing. They explored innovative opportunities for collaboration between cooperative enterprises in both nations, highlighting the potential for significant economic engagement.
During the discussions, Abdollahi pointed out that Iran’s cooperative sector, which boasts over 104,000 active cooperatives, has remained resilient despite foreign sanctions. This sector presents a dependable channel for fostering economic ties with friendly nations, particularly China. To enhance cooperation, he proposed the establishment of a joint committee aimed at coordinating various projects, trade missions, and specialized exhibitions in both Tehran and Beijing.
Key areas for potential collaboration discussed included:
- Modern irrigation technologies
- Seed and vaccine production
- Animal feed technologies
- Mineral processing
- Petrochemical industries
Abdollahi further mentioned that the current trade volume between Iran and China stands at approximately $14 billion. He expressed optimism that this figure could significantly increase by strengthening cooperative and industrial partnerships between the two nations.
In early October, Majid-Reza Hariri, chairman of the Iran-China Joint Chamber of Commerce, shared insights regarding the impact of UN Security Council sanctions on Iran-China relations. He noted, “Given that none of the UN sanctions are trade-related and instead pertain to the nuclear industry and some sectors of the country’s missile industries, consequently, they should not impact our normal trade with China.”
Hariri further elaborated, “Although the US sanctions have completely prohibited oil sales, we see that the Chinese are currently buying nearly over 90 percent of the country’s oil. Therefore, UN sanctions are not related to the commercial sphere and logically should not affect these types of relations either.” He added that while UN sanctions might have psychological and secondary effects, they should be evaluated separately.
According to Abolfazl Akbarpour, the deputy head of the Islamic Republic of Iran Customs Administration (IRICA) for planning and international affairs, the value of non-oil trade between Iran and China reached $34.1 billion in the past Iranian calendar year, which concluded on March 20, 2025. He reported that:
- China imported non-oil goods worth $14.8 billion from Iran, making it the primary destination for Iranian products in the past year.
- In return, China exported non-oil products valued at $19.3 billion to Iran, ranking as the second-largest source of imports for Iran during that period.
The dialogue between Iran and China signifies a continuing effort to strengthen their cooperative relationship, particularly in the face of ongoing sanctions that aim to hinder economic growth in both countries. The establishment of a joint committee and the exploration of various sectors for collaboration are steps towards enhancing mutual benefits and achieving economic resilience.
As both nations navigate the complexities of international politics, their commitment to fostering robust economic ties remains evident. The cooperative sector in Iran, backed by its extensive network of cooperatives, plays a crucial role in this partnership, serving as a platform for innovation and collaboration with Chinese enterprises.
With future trade missions and exhibitions on the horizon, both Tehran and Beijing are poised to unlock new opportunities that could reshape their economic landscapes. The potential for growth is vast, and through strategic partnerships, both countries can work towards a more prosperous future.
In conclusion, the meeting between Abdollahi and Cong underscores the importance of cooperation between Iran and China. The resilience of Iran’s cooperative sector, coupled with China’s significant market demand, presents a unique opportunity for both nations to deepen their economic ties and foster mutual growth.
