BAKU, Azerbaijan, July 13
By Elnur Baghishov – Trend:
Iran can use Chinese-owned technologies by cooperating with China and create large manufacturing companies, Iranian expert on economy issues Hamid Haj Esmaeili told Trend.
Iran currently exports raw materials to China, however aims to start manufacturing final products for export as well, to increase its revenues from exports.
Esmaeili added that Iran needs investors and advice to move towards a productive economy.
"This cooperation can help stimulate the country's economy and create jobs and reduce unemployment," he said.
The expert emphasized that Iran can change its economy from a service to a producer by cooperating with China.
Speaking about the 25-Year Comprehensive Joint Cooperation Plan between Iran and China, Esmaeili said there are different opinions in Iran on this issue.
"Some think that this document is one-sided, to the detriment of Iran and will not have a positive impact on Iran's development and prosperity," he said. "Every country that wants to develop needs investment and infrastructure development. Iran is also in dire need of investment to develop in all sectors, including transport, oil, urban development and others."
Esmaeili said that after the victory of the Islamic Revolution (1979) in Iran, there were no big investments in Iran.
Meanwhile, currently, there are big investments made today in foreign companies, so Iran needs to cooperate with rich countries to attract foreign investment.
"China has been one of the world's largest economic powers for more than 40 years and at present, it is second largest economy in the world,” he said.
The expert stressed that at present, some of the world's major economic projects are being implemented by the Chinese. Because, the country has both an experienced workforce and technology and financial resources. In this regard, relations with China are important for all countries, even the US.
“Usually, European and western countries offer opportunities at a higher price. Iran can take advantage of cheaper opportunities by heading to Asia, especially China,” he said.
Esmaeili noted that Iran has a large trade turnover with China, and imports many products from this country. Given China's high economic influence, relations with this country are important for Iran, and China's resources can be used for the country's development.
Iran's foreign trade amounted to $13.9 billion in the first three months of the current Iranian year (March 20-June 20, 2020). The value of exports was $6.3 billion, and the value of imports was $7.6 billion. China ranks first in Iran's imports and exports.