by Hassan Rouhvand, Mu Dong
TEHRAN, Nov. 17 (Xinhua) -- China's development plan drawn at the recent landmark Communist Party of China (CPC) congress will be realized despite challenges, said an Iranian specialist on China.
China has made a lot of progress over the past years, particularly in improving people's livelihood, and the trend will continue in the coming years, Ahad Mohammadi, chairman of the Iran-China Friendship Association and former deputy energy minister, told Xinhua in a recent interview.
"Young people have become happier and their lifestyle has changed," Mohammadi said, recalling his frequent visits to different parts of China over the years.
The 19th CPC National Congress, which was held in Beijing last month and drew a blueprint for China's social and economic development all through to the middle of the century, was "a successful meeting," he said.
"They decided on good policies for the next five years, and, for sure, the policies will have a positive impact on the life of Chinese people," added Mohammadi.
He expressed confidence that the CPC will achieve its goal of basically realizing socialist modernization by 2035, but noted that China has to overcome various challenges along the way.
China, he said, needs to improve infrastructure in old industrial bases, pay more attention to developing underdeveloped areas, and figure out a proper way to deal with complicated international relations.
Although it will not be easy, the goal "will be achieved," he said.
Regarding China-Iran relations, he spoke highly of China's support for Iran, especially during the years since the West imposed sanctions against the Islamic republic over its nuclear program.
Since Hassan Rouhani was elected Iranian president in 2013, bilateral trade has risen markedly, he noted, calling for more Chinese investment in the Middle East country, especially in energy and financing.
Chinese companies are also welcome for Iran's port development, petrochemical industry and railway network, he added.
The Belt and Road Initiative serves as a fertile ground for bilateral cooperation, he pointed out, adding that the China-proposed initiative will bring Tehran and Beijing even closer.
"We need comprehensive ties with China at all levels," he said.
