Tehran and Xinjiang Chambers of Commerce Sign MoU to Expand Economic and Trade Cooperation
The Tehran Chamber of Commerce delegation to China, headed by TCCIMA President Mahmoud Najafi Arab, held talks with officials of the XPCC Chamber of Commerce as part of its ongoing business agenda, presenting the capabilities and potential of Iran's private sector.
At the beginning of the meeting, Najafi Arab welcomed the opportunity to strengthen dialogue and mutual understanding between the two institutions and expand cooperation. He outlined the structure and capabilities of the Tehran Chamber of Commerce, as well as those of Iranian private-sector associations and companies.
He said that effective engagement with government organizations to reduce conflicts, strengthen corporate governance, facilitate trade, and promote exports from the manufacturing sector were among the key priorities of the Tehran Chamber of Commerce.
Chen Yong, Executive Vice President of the XPCC Chamber of Commerce, then introduced the organization's main areas of activity, emphasizing that its primary focus was on empowering business operators and developing human resources through training.
He noted that the private-sector organization owns 19 major universities and 21 vocational and technical training centers, with more than 170,000 students. It also oversees 590 affiliated institutions and committees and maintains a network of 60,000 manufacturing enterprises.
According to Chen, the organization has established formal cooperation agreements and partnerships with 38 chambers of commerce in 12 countries, while its foreign trade volume exceeds 100 billion yuan. It also maintains ongoing academic cooperation with universities in Central Asia through research programs, academic exchanges, and student exchange initiatives.
Chen identified the commercialization of agricultural products, water and wastewater technologies, logistics, warehousing, and the development of dry ports as key areas of focus for the chamber.
The Chinese representatives also highlighted Xinjiang's agricultural production capabilities, noting that the region accounts for 40 percent of China's tomato production and exports, as well as one-third of the country's cotton output. Wheat and barley production were also among the agricultural sectors discussed.
Representatives of two Chinese private-sector companies specializing in water management and water resources, as well as automotive parts exports, attended the meeting and outlined their capabilities and potential areas of cooperation with Iranian companies.
Iranian Companies Continue to Expand Their Capabilities Despite Sanctions
In another part of the meeting, the President of the Tehran Chamber of Commerce highlighted the capabilities of Iranian businesses in manufacturing automotive spare parts and developing water-related technologies.
He stressed that despite existing constraints, including international sanctions, Iranian companies possess considerable capabilities and continue to expand their operations.
Najafi Arab also invited the Chinese business representatives to attend Iran Expo, with the aim of strengthening synergies and expanding business ties with Iranian companies.
Referring to the challenges facing the transportation of goods and maritime exports following the 40-day war and the naval blockade, he proposed strengthening trade corridors in cooperation with the XPCC Chamber of Commerce to facilitate bilateral commercial exchanges.
The TCCIMA president also pointed to Iran's import needs for products such as cotton and wheat, suggesting that the XPCC Chamber of Commerce could facilitate direct negotiations between producers in Xinjiang and Iranian importers.
He added that alternative mechanisms for foreign currency settlements, including non-dollar payment methods, could be explored to address challenges related to financial transfers.
During the meeting, the Chinese side put forward four proposals: dispatching a trade and assessment delegation from Xinjiang to Tehran; officially inviting representatives of the Tehran Chamber of Commerce to attend the Asia-Europe Expo in Urumqi; appointing a joint liaison officer; and participating in Iran Expo.
The Chinese representatives also called for the appointment of designated representatives to facilitate cooperation between the Tehran and Xinjiang chambers in advancing commercial arbitration cases, resolving customs-related issues, and implementing the provisions of the MoU.
The Chinese side welcomed Najafi Arab's official invitation to traders and executives of XPCC-affiliated organizations to participate in Iran Expo's pavilions and attend joint business-to-business (B2B) meetings.
The meeting concluded with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between the Tehran and Xinjiang chambers of commerce, with both sides agreeing to expand their economic and trade cooperation in the near future.