Cooperative sector: A reliable path for Iran-China economic cooperation during sanctions

Pars Today – The head of Iran’s Chamber of Cooperatives and the Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China to Iran, emphasizing the strategic and friendly relations between the two countries, called for the expansion of cooperation in the cooperative, agricultural, mining, petrochemical sectors, and joint investments.

A joint meeting between Bahman Abdollahi, head of Iran’s Chamber of Cooperatives, and Cong Peiwu, China’s ambassador to Tehran, was held on Sunday to discuss new ways to strengthen relations between Iranian and Chinese cooperatives.

According to Pars Today, the head of Iran’s Chamber of Cooperatives highlighted the extensive potential of both countries in the people-centered and social economy, saying: “Despite the limitations caused by foreign sanctions, Iran’s cooperative sector can serve as a reliable channel for economic cooperation with friendly countries, including China.”

The head of Iran’s Chamber of Cooperatives and the Chinese ambassador also described the formation of a permanent Iran-China cooperative committee as a key step for planning and implementing joint projects, exchanging business delegations, and organizing specialized exhibitions in Tehran and Beijing.

According to Abdollahi, more than 104,000 cooperatives operate across various sectors in Iran, including agriculture, industry, services, housing, and production. In China, over two million cooperatives are active.

During the meeting, both sides emphasized the drafting of an updated version of the cooperation memorandum between the China Cooperative Association and Iran’s Chamber of Cooperatives. This memorandum is scheduled to be negotiated and signed at the upcoming Oceania regional meeting in Colombo, Sri Lanka.