My Experience at the Meeting Between the Iranian President and Iranian Elites in China

Recently, on behalf of the Iranian Trade Office in Huzhou, I attended the meeting where the Iranian President met with Iranian elites residing in China in Beijing. Discussing the past, present, and future of China and Iran with everyone there filled my heart with excitement and emotion. Many friends mentioned the pace of China’s development over the past few decades, which I believe is not only a miracle witnessed by the world but also a source of profound insights and lessons that Iran can learn from.

Looking back several decades ago, both China and Iran were exploring their paths to development. However, with a firm direction, pragmatic measures, and the united efforts of its people, China has undergone earth-shaking changes in just a few decades. This transformation is evident in every aspect: the leapfrog progress in infrastructure construction—from high-speed railways crisscrossing the country to modern airports and ports connecting China to the world; the breakthroughs in scientific and technological innovation—with achievements in 5G, artificial intelligence, new energy vehicles, and aerospace that have placed China at the forefront of global tech advancement; the significant improvement in people’s well-being—where hundreds of millions have been lifted out of poverty, and access to education, healthcare, and housing has been greatly expanded; and the growing influence on the international stage—where China plays an increasingly important role in addressing global challenges such as climate change and public health. Every step of this journey has been taken steadily and solidly. Behind this “China Speed” lies not only advanced development concepts and efficient institutional guarantees but also the unwavering pursuit of dreams by generations of Chinese people. This is precisely the precious experience that Iran urgently needs to learn from and draw on today.

What makes us feel even more cordial is that China and Iran have never been “distant strangers” to each other but “old friends” with a friendship spanning thousands of years. Both countries are home to ancient civilizations that have remained unbroken for millennia. Iran’s Persian civilization once shone brilliantly in the river of history, giving birth to world-influencing cultural treasures: Persian carpets, with their intricate patterns and exquisite craftsmanship, tell stories of Persian life and art; Persian miniatures, with their vivid colors and delicate details, capture the beauty of nature and human emotions; and Persian poetics, represented by great poets like Rumi and Hafez, conveys profound philosophical thoughts and emotional resonance that transcends time and borders. Similarly, China’s Chinese civilization has a long and rich history. The Four Great Inventions—papermaking, printing, the compass, and gunpowder—have profoundly shaped the course of human civilization. Confucian culture, with its emphasis on benevolence, righteousness, and harmony, has nurtured the values of the Chinese nation. The camel bells that once echoed along the Silk Road are a testament to the long-standing cultural and trade exchanges between China and the rest of the world. All these have become the common cultural wealth of humanity. For thousands of years, whether through the bustling business exchanges along the ancient Silk Road, where Persian merchants brought spices and textiles to China while Chinese silk and porcelain flowed westward, or through the mutual support on the international stage in modern times—such as in promoting multilateralism and safeguarding the interests of developing countries—China and Iran have always built their relations on the foundation of respect, understanding, and trust. This friendship, which has stood the test of time, has long been deeply rooted in the blood of the people of both countries.

As an Iranian who has lived in China for many years, I would also like to share my story of connecting with China and promoting cultural exchanges between our two countries. Over the years, I have been dedicated to one mission: bringing the “fragrance of Iran” to China—specifically, our characteristic Persian rose products. Friends who know Iran well are aware that the Kashan Oasis in Iran is a world-renowned rose-producing region. Nestled on the Persian Plateau, this oasis is blessed with abundant sunlight and snowmelt water from the surrounding mountains, creating the perfect conditions for roses to thrive. The roses here have plump petals and an intensely rich fragrance, and every drop of rose essential oil extracted from them is a precious gift from the Persian land. In the early days, I came to China with just a few bottles of rose essential oil, eager to find partners who could help me share this Persian treasure with Chinese consumers. After years of hard work—overcoming language barriers, understanding market demands, and establishing trust with suppliers and customers—I have now built a complete supply chain: from direct sourcing in the Kashan Oasis to quality control, packaging, and finally, promotion and sales in the Chinese market. Today, when I see more and more Chinese friends fall in love with Persian rose products—using rose essential oil for skincare, enjoying rose hydrosol for its refreshing scent, or savoring rose tea for its delicate flavor—and hear them praise the elegance and romance of Persian civilization, I feel an immense sense of pride. Because I know that what I am delivering is more than just a product; it is a heartfelt bond between the people of China and Iran. Just as the fragrance of Persian roses can transcend geographical distances, the friendship between our two countries can grow warmer and deeper through these small yet meaningful products.

Of course, my aspirations do not end here. I have always believed that exchanges between China and Iran should be two-way and mutually beneficial. In the future, I hope to bring more high-quality Iranian products to China through my efforts. Beyond Persian rose products, Iran has a wealth of other specialties waiting to be discovered by Chinese consumers: premium Iranian pistachios, known for their plump kernels and rich flavor; hand-woven Persian carpets, each a unique work of art that carries the wisdom and craftsmanship of generations; and traditional herbal products, made from natural ingredients that have been used in Persian medicine for centuries to promote health and well-being. By introducing these products to China, I hope to help Chinese friends gain a more comprehensive understanding of Iran’s rich natural resources and profound cultural heritage. At the same time, I am even more eager to build a bridge that brings high-quality Chinese products and advanced technologies back to Iran. China’s new energy technologies—such as solar and wind power solutions—can help Iran reduce its reliance on fossil fuels and move towards a more sustainable energy future. China’s modern agricultural equipment and technologies—including high-yield crop varieties and smart farming systems—can help Iranian farmers increase their harvests and improve their livelihoods. China’s digital economy platforms—such as e-commerce and mobile payment systems—can drive the modernization of Iran’s commercial sector and make daily life more convenient for Iranian people. I look forward to the day when more high-quality and affordable Chinese products are available in Iranian markets, when Chinese agricultural technologies are widely adopted in Iranian fields to boost productivity, and when Chinese new energy projects light up Iranian cities with clean and renewable energy. I firmly believe that when the high-quality resources of our two countries are interconnected and advanced technologies are shared, China and Iran will surely “march forward side by side” on the path of development and jointly create a better future for our peoples.

Finally, I would like to emphasize once again that learning from China is not an empty slogan for Iran but a concrete action plan. We need to learn from China’s “determination to overcome challenges” in scientific and technological innovation. Just as China has made breakthroughs in key tech areas by investing in research and development and encouraging innovation, Iran should increase its investment in science and technology, support research institutions and enterprises, and cultivate scientific talents to tackle technical difficulties in industries such as manufacturing, agriculture, and energy. We should learn from China’s “pragmatic attitude” in institutional construction. China has developed a policy system that suits its national conditions by adhering to a problem-solving approach and constantly adjusting and improving policies based on practice. Iran should draw on this experience, combine its own cultural, social, and economic realities, and improve its policy systems to provide a more stable and efficient institutional environment for development. More importantly, we must learn from the Chinese people’s spirit of “hard work and self-reliance.” For decades, the Chinese people have overcome numerous difficulties and challenges through their diligence, perseverance, and unity. Iran should inspire its people with this spirit, unite the strength of the entire nation, and work together to achieve new development and progress. I am convinced that as long as we maintain an open mind, stay firm in our resolve, and leverage the friendly cooperation between China and Iran, Iran will surely draw valuable lessons from China’s development experience, blaze a path of high-quality development that suits its own needs, and let the brilliant Persian civilization shine with new glory in the new era. May the flower of friendship between China and Iran, like the eternal Persian rose, remain fragrant and in full bloom forever!