Iran-China trade volume to reach dlrs 10bn in 2005

Islamic Republic News Agency:

Chinese Ambassador to Tehran Lio G Tan said here on Wednesday that Iran-China trade volume is expected to reach 10 billion dollars in 2005.

Lio told the first seminar of opportunities of Iran-Hong Kong Cooperation that the value of Tehran-Beijing commercial exchanges exceeded seven billion dollars in 2004, showing 25 percent growth compared to the year before.

He said Iran and China are now involved in more than 100 joint venture projects in line with their economic and technological cooperation. READ MORE

He highlighted the importance of mutual cooperation in the energy, power, metallurgy, telecommunications,, shipbuilding, transportation and water sectors, saying 700,000 people are daily using the China-made subway network in Iran.

The ambassador said expansion of cooperation between Iran and Hong Kong will benefit both sides.

Lio put the value of direct exchanges between Iran and Hong Kong at dlrs 60 million to dlrs 170 million in a period starting from 2003.

He expressed dissatisfaction about dlrs 40 billion exchanges between Hong Kong and other states.

Concluding his remarks, Lio said abundant natural resources, big market, geographical location and educated workforce are among relative advantages of Iran, stressing expansion of mutual cooperation.