Iran is seeking to establish joint investment funds with Russia, Saudi Arabia, and Oman, aimed at enhancing the investments of the national fund and creating added value. Specifically, the National Development Fund of Iran plans to activate foreign investment capabilities to grow the civil fund's investments. In this context, the establishment of joint funds with Russia, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Qatar, Kazakhstan, and Kyrgyzstan is on the agenda.
Hussein Ayoudlou, a member of the National Development Fund's presidency in Iran, clarified that this fund aims to collaborate with wealth funds in neighboring countries. He indicated that talks have been held with Russia regarding this initiative, pending approval, as well as discussions with Oman and Saudi Arabia within the same framework. Ayoudlou emphasized that "one of the tasks of the National Development Fund in Iran is to cooperate with other funds globally, and that the national wealth funds of neighboring countries are prioritized in this area."
He added, "Initially, we cooperated with the Russian fund, held meetings, and reached memorandums of understanding. During these meetings, discussions occurred regarding methods and mechanisms of cooperation. We await the endorsement from the supervisory board of the Russian national wealth fund, which is issued by Russian President Vladimir Putin." He noted that "Russia has signaled that it is preferable to start with cooperation in implementing projects" and it has been decided that the Iranian side will present proposals to establish joint investment committees between the Iranian and Russian national wealth funds, with both parties participating in the investment at a 50% share.
Ayoudlou stated that Iran's priority lies in "oil and gas projects and pharmaceutical production," while also mentioning that other areas such as advanced technologies could be collaborated on, highlighting that "the important factor in this regard is the economic feasibility of projects."
He elaborated that "we have also conducted negotiations with Oman and Saudi Arabia, and we hope to reach agreements on joint projects. However, it should be noted that such mechanisms require time, and it is essential for cooperation to first commence before entering into joint projects at a later stage." Ayoudlou noted that this fund has also signed agreements with African countries.
