Tehran hosts conference on Iran-China economic co-op

"China is Iran's biggest trade partner in Asia and also the third biggest one in the world," Mottaki said, adding that Tehran and Beijing should take further steps to enhance the level of trade.

He said that facilitating further trade relations, removing present obstacles on the way of Iran-China trade ties as well as removing customs tariffs are among major steps that should be taken by the two sides to promote economic and trade relations.

"As the biggest member of the Asian family, China should play amore active role in regional organizations such as the Shanghai Cooperation Organization," Mottaki added.

Meanwhile, Vice Minister of the Ministry of Commerce Chen Jian, head of the Chinese delegation, said that China and Iran should enhance economic cooperation in non-oil sectors and provide services for companies of both countries through better interaction and communication.

About 500 Iranian and Chinese businessmen attended the one-day conference which was aimed at addressing the international financial crisis and promoting trade cooperation between Iran and China.

Editor:Liu Anqi