ICT Minister: Iran, China to develop ties in artificial intelligence, communication infrastructure

Hashemi said the visit was made at the official invitation of the Chinese Minister of Industry and Information Technology Jin Zhuanglong, and added, “We have planned several programs for this visit, including meetings and discussions with the Chinese counterpart and other officials in the field of communications and industries in China, as well as visits to its universities and advanced industrial centers.”

Referring to China's advances in new technologies such as the fifth generation of mobile internet (5G), artificial intelligence and smart industries, Iran’s ICT minister said, "Our goal is to exploit China's technological capacities to have smart industries, especially in the electricity, oil and gas sectors, as well as increase productivity in other industrial sectors of our country."

He also said that following up on the agreements signed between Iran and China in recent years is another important goal of the visit.

"Strategic interactions with China, especially in the field of information technology, can play a significant role in economic growth and the development of our country's digital economy."

Hashemi referred to the plans and tasks delegated to the ICT ministry and said, "Currently, cooperation between Iran and China in the field of technology is at an acceptable level, but there are more capacities that must be utilized in strengthening bilateral interactions."

He also introduced the development of communication infrastructure, smart cities, energy consumption management, artificial intelligence, and information processing infrastructure as serious needs of Iran and the most important areas of cooperation between Tehran and Beijing.

"Very useful interactions have started in this visit, and we hope they will bring positive results for our country," Hashemi said.

Visit to Zpark

On the first day of his stay in China, the ICT minister visited major and important centers of science, technology, and innovation.

These visits included technology parks, specialized exhibitions, and digital innovation centers, including Zpark. He was briefed about the activities, capabilities, and technological projects of China.

Hashemi’s visit to China is in line with the implementation of the strategic policies of the ICT ministry in the field of developing technological relations with friendly countries and within the framework of the diplomacy of technology.

Meetings with senior Chinese government officials, holding specialized meetings with managers of large technological companies, and visiting scientific and research centers are on the agenda of Hashemi’s visit.

The ICT minister is also scheduled to deliver a speech at the Beihang University in Beijing on challenges and opportunities of the Artificial Intelligence.