Azernews.Az

By Gunay Hasanova

The Chinese car company BYD and Iranian car manufacturer Kerman Motor signed a memorandum of understanding to cooperate in the production of hybrid and electric vehicles, the Iranian company informed.

Under the deal, the Chinese company will export technology to produce hybrid and electric vehicles, as well as batteries to Iran.

The document also provides for the export of crossover BYD E6 and BYD Tang car to Iran in 2017.

BYD E6 is a fully electric compact crossover, and BYD Tang is a hybrid SUV.

Ad Huang, executive director of BYD for the Middle East and Africa, said on the sidelines of the signing ceremony that Iran has a high potential in terms of renewable energy use in the automotive market.

The company will provide high-quality products and services to the Iranians, he added.

China was Iran's top consumer of crude oil. Even after international sanctions targeted Tehran’s energy sector, China continued its cooperation with Iran through purchasing oil and developing energy projects.

Over the past six years, Beijing has been Tehran’s major trade partner.

Beyond its oil resources, Iran also plays an important role in China’s regional economic ambitions. China is for expansion of ties in the transport sector and Iran and China both are considered to be significant destinations that are located along the Silk Road.

Earlier in 2015 Iranian media reported that Tehran plans to participate in an ambitious Chinese plan to revive the Silk Road which aims to connect Asia to Europe and Africa through a network of roads, railways, ports, and airports.

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Gunay Hasanova is AzerNews’ staff journalist, follow her on Twitter: @gunhasanova

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