Tehran and Peking Strengthen Strategic Sci-Tech Collaboration

TEHRAN – In an exciting development for scientific collaboration, the head of the Organization for the Development of International Cooperation in Science and Technology, Hossein Roozbeh, met with Chinese Ambassador to Iran Cong Peiwu. The focus of their discussions was on expanding scientific and technological partnerships between Iran and China, particularly following Peiwu’s visit to the Tehran branch of the Iran House of Innovation and Technology (iHiT).

During the meeting, Peiwu expressed admiration for Iran’s rich cultural heritage and technological advancements. He stated, “Iran possesses a magnificent civilization and is home to intelligent people who have made great achievements. The country’s history of technology development is glorious. Today, we are proud to witness Iran’s rapid technological advances in the modern era. China and Iran are two great civilizations with long histories, and the two countries have great potentials for fostering scientific cooperation.”

Highlighting a recent visit by Hossein Afshin, Iran’s Vice President for Science, Technology, and Knowledge-Based Economy, to China, Peiwu remarked on the opportunities for strengthening bilateral partnerships. He noted that both nations are open to international collaboration.

Roozbeh emphasized the importance of enhancing scientific cooperation, pointing out the longstanding history of collaboration in scientific, technological, economic, and trade sectors between Iran and China. He noted, “Iran’s science and technology ecosystem has made significant progress in recent years, with more than ten thousand knowledge-based companies operating in the country.” This growth, he said, is largely attributable to the contributions of a highly skilled and talented workforce.

Additionally, Roozbeh referenced the memorandum of understandings (MOUs) signed by Afshin and Ding Zhisheng, Vice Premier of the People’s Republic of China, during the 2nd Belt and Road Conference on Science and Technology Exchange in June. He declared Iran’s readiness to implement the agreements established at the conference.

Roozbeh also highlighted China’s advancements in artificial intelligence (AI) and Iran’s progress in this field, asserting that partnerships in AI could lead to significant achievements for both countries and the wider region. He mentioned that the establishment of BRI (Belt and Road Initiative) LabsNet will be essential for fostering scientific interactions on an international scale.

The two nations have agreed to:

• Exchange researchers and young scientists.
• Participate in exhibitions in each country.
• Collaborate in sectors such as technology, health, medicine, the environment, and agriculture.

Looking ahead, Roozbeh noted that Iran plans to inaugurate its first iHiT in China within the next few months.

In a related context, the 2nd Belt and Road Conference on Science and Technology Exchange was held in Chengdu, the capital of Sichuan Province, from June 10 to 12. During this pivotal conference, Ding Zhisheng reiterated China’s commitment to strengthening scientific and technological cooperation with Iran as part of the BRI.

He emphasized the importance of effectively implementing the Iran-China strategic partnership and promoting quality cooperation within the BRI framework, stating, “We seek to further develop the capacity for cooperation in science and technology between the two sides to bring more tangible benefits to the people of both countries,” as reported by IRNA.

For his part, Afshin conveyed Iran’s strong interest in enhancing ties with China to achieve breakthroughs in significant scientific and technological collaborations. The formalization of their bilateral relations as a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership (CSP) in early 2016 marked a significant milestone, especially during President Xi Jinping’s visit to Iran. Since then, this strategic relationship has flourished.

Iran’s support for China on various issues, particularly concerning China’s core national interests and major international agendas such as the BRI, has been unwavering. In return, China has backed Iran’s legitimate positions on numerous matters, including the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), women’s rights, and memberships in organizations such as the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) and BRICS.

During the second conference, Afshin proposed six strategic plans to enhance technological ties along the Silk Road, which include:

1. Establishment of the BRI-TechMatch platform: This platform aims to adapt and indigenize technologies to meet the needs of developing countries.
2. Creation of a regional center in Tehran: This center will focus on future studies and monitoring technology for member states in the BRI.
3. Launch of BRI LabsNet: This initiative seeks to create a multinational network of specialized laboratories to evaluate equipment and technologies produced by BRI countries, encouraging mutual trust and facilitating technological trade.
4. Implementation of a regional technological skills training program: This program will focus on youth in the BRI countries.
5. Development of a technological cooperation charter: This charter will emphasize ethics, data governance, and fair technology transfer among BRI nations.

The ongoing dialogue and mutual interest between Iran and China signify a promising future for their scientific and technological collaborations, paving the way for innovative advancements that could benefit both nations and beyond.