Senior MP: China Interested in Investment in Iran's Infrastructural Projects

Head of the Iranian Parliament's National Security and Foreign Policy Commission Alaeddin Boroujerdi underlined that China has voiced willingness to invest in the lucrative projects of Iran's infrastructural sector. "The Chinese have repeatedly stressed their support for the (2015) nuclear deal (between Tehran and the world powers) and opposition to the US approach towards it," Boroujerdi said on Monday after heading a three-day visit by an Iranian parliamentary delegation to China.

"During meetings with the Chinese officials, we talked about the infrastructural railway projects which are a priority in transportation between cities and the Chinese declared their willingness for investment," he added. Boroujerdi said that Beijing is ready to implement important projects in Iran, including Tehran-Mashhad and Tehran-Tabriz railway for high-speed trains.

His remarks came as reports said in January that the trade exchanges between Iran and China increased 20.5% in the first 11 months of 2017, showing a positive trend for both countries.

Chinese Envoy to Tehran Pang Sen made the remarks, addressing the first international conference on Iran and China relations. Pang Sen said that cooperation between the two countries within the framework of the Chinese initiative 'One Belt, One Road' on transportation, oil, gas, petrochemical, metallurgy, construction and infrastructure is increasing. The initiative, introduced by China President Xi Jinping in 2013, is aimed at developing relations and connectivity among countries through restoring the ancient Silk Road. "Iran and China as two important countries located along the Silk Road are involved in mutual cooperation," Sen said. He also said that trade exchanges between Iran and China in the first 11-month period of the year 2017 grew by 20.5%, reaching to $33.66 billion.

In 2016, trade between the two countries was US$35 billion, which has exceeded US$43 billion for 2017. Currently, oil, gas and petrochemicals are at the top of Iran’s export priorities to China. - Tasnim