Enlarge image
Iranian oil platform: 25-year cooperation agreement
Photo: Raheb Homavandi / REUTERS
Chinese investment in Iran has increased tenfold in a year, according to a report. The amount rose from $200 million to $2 billion, Iran's Tasnim news agency reported on Tuesday, citing the head of the Organization for Foreign Investment. The money flows primarily into projects in the areas of logistics, infrastructure and mining.
As an important buyer of Iranian oil, China is an important economic partner for Tehran. Both countries concluded a 25-year cooperation agreement in 2021. At the same time, the leadership in Tehran has also expanded its relations with Russia in the face of international sanctions and, according to Western findings, is supporting the country in the war in Ukraine. According to Tasnim, major investors also include the United Arab Emirates and Turkey.
Iran is subject to sanctions primarily because of its nuclear program. The government has therefore strengthened its relations with Russia and China in recent years, but has also sought new partners. The Islamic Republic is now a member of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization and has been part of the Brics association of states since the beginning of the year. But the strategy also triggers criticism in Iran. Many people would like to see an improvement in relations with the West.
mik/dpa