Iran and China Explore Joint Production of Pharmaceuticals and Medical Equipment
WANA (Sep 03) – Within the framework of the 25-year comprehensive cooperation agreement between Iran and China, the two countries have entered a new phase of collaboration in the health sector, focusing on technology transfer, joint pharmaceutical production, and the expansion of research partnerships.
Hamid Enanlou, Director of International Affairs at Iran’s Food and Drug Administration, highlighted the scope of cooperation defined in the agreement: “One of the key pillars of this partnership is the joint development and production of medicines, pharmaceutical research, and innovative drug development. Alongside this, technology transfer in the field of medical equipment, laboratory devices, and healthcare supplies such as syringes and diagnostic kits is also part of the agenda.”
He added: “This provision is designed to improve product quality, enhance domestic manufacturing capacity, and establish joint ventures. Training programs and the exchange of experts and researchers between the two countries also form an important part of this cooperation.”
Presidents of Iran and China. Social media / WANA News Agency
Strategic Dimension of Health Cooperation
Signed four years ago and now moving into the implementation phase, the Iran-China comprehensive agreement covers a wide range of fields—from energy and infrastructure to technology, education, and health. Experts believe that China’s engagement in Iran’s healthcare sector could not only strengthen domestic pharmaceutical industries but also pave the way for the export of Iran’s health products to regional markets.
President Masoud Pezeshkian also stressed the importance of the implementation stage during his official meetings yesterday, stating: “Now is the time to turn agreements into action. The diplomatic channels have done their part; it is up to the scientific, industrial, and commercial sectors to seize these opportunities.”
According to Enanlou, the Food and Drug Administration has already taken steps such as initiating direct talks with Chinese counterparts, drafting executive frameworks, and streamlining the registration and import process for medical products. He emphasized: “Establishing joint research and development platforms and transferring advanced pharmaceutical technologies are among the current priorities. Part of this cooperation is aimed at strengthening domestic infrastructure while also enabling access to regional markets for Iranian and Chinese companies.”
Analysts argue that these developments could not only bolster Iran’s healthcare system but also elevate Tehran’s role in China’s broader Belt and Road Initiative, while opening new avenues to mitigate the impact of sanctions.
