Aug 15, IFIF quoted from IRNA – Iran's Minister of Finance and Economic Affairs Ali Tayyebnia underlined that the 16th Iran-China Joint Economic Commission can play an important role in developing strategic relations of the two countries.

Tayyebnia arrived in the Chinese capital city on Monday to take part in a meeting of the two countries joint economic commission.

The finance and economic affairs minister said that Iran-China joint economic commission begins its activity while the two countries' political relations are at a very satisfactory level and also due to good grounds for cooperation in the economic field it is hoped that such relations will also keep on developing.

'There are still some problems in the two countries' banking relations, but in view of the good and constructive statements we hope that the existing problems to be resolved soon,' Tayyebnia said.

He pointed to China as one of biggest trade partners of Iran in recent years, and said, 'The volume of the two countries' trade balance has always been witnessing an upward trend.'

Tayyebnia said that the trade exchanges between Iran and China have been expanding.

The 16th Iran-China joint economic commission is slated for August 16 for two days.

The Tuesday meeting will be chaired by Tayyebnia on behalf of Iran.

The two countries held 15th joint economic commission meeting three years ago.

In China, Tayyebnia who is heading a banking, oil, economic and cultural delegation will hold talks with senior Chinese officials.

He and members of his delegation are also to sign different agreements on various issues with the Chinese side.

China as the second economic power in the world has constantly expressed willingness to widen relations with Iran.