Iran presents $300 billion investment portfolio to Chinese firms at Shanghai forum

Iran presented 150 investment projects across 11 strategic sectors, with an estimated combined value of $300 billion, at a forum held on November 5 alongside the ninth China International Import Expo. The portfolio covers energy, petrochemicals, mining, manufacturing, agriculture, transportation and emerging technologies, offering Chinese businesses a broad range of investment and commercial opportunities.

Iran's Deputy Minister of Economic Affairs and Finance Mehdi Heydari identified approximately $250 billion in energy and infrastructure investment requirements over five years, including more than $45 billion for petrochemical projects. Among the specific opportunities introduced, Oghaf Investment Group presented six projects valued at more than $10 billion, spanning oil, gas, petrochemicals, renewable energy and industrial equipment.

The forum took place as Washington has renewed measures aimed at restricting Iran's international economic relations and discouraging foreign companies from maintaining commercial ties with Tehran. Beijing has continued to defend its economic engagement with Iran, rejecting unilateral sanctions and measures targeting Chinese companies conducting international trade. On September 3, China's Ministry of Commerce expressed strong opposition to American sanctions on Chinese companies over Iran-related commercial activities, describing unilateral restrictions lacking United Nations authorization as interference in normal international economic exchanges and pledging to defend the legitimate interests of Chinese businesses.

Beijing reiterated that position on September 20, after Washington signed the 2026 Lindsey Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act. The Commerce Ministry denounced secondary sanctions targeting third countries, maintaining that normal international trade should remain free from external interference or coercion.

The political direction of the partnership was reinforced during Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi's September 16 meeting with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi in Beijing, according to Press TV. Wang described China's policy towards Iran as consistent and stable, reaffirming Beijing's readiness to strengthen communication, cooperation and the comprehensive strategic partnership.

The forum was held in the context of the Iran-China 25-Year Cooperation Roadmap and both countries' membership in the Shanghai Cooperation Organization. According to Mehr News, the gathering was organized to connect Iranian project owners with Chinese investors and to advance the economic partnership on a $300 billion horizon.