Suspicious Connections and Kleptocratic Activities
One of the key founders of the Iran-China Chamber of Commerce was Asadollah Asgaroladi, a prominent and influential businessman trusted by the Supreme Leader of the Islamic Republic. His brother, Habibollah Asgaroladi, served as Minister of Commerce in several governments following the 1979 Islamic Revolution.
Asadollah Asgaroladi was one of the three individuals appointed by Ruhollah Khomeini to the Board of Trustees of the “Execution of Imam Khomeini’s Order” (EIKO). This position gave him direct access to senior regime leaders and allowed him to influence political and economic affairs, which in turn significantly empowered him and the conservative Islamic Motalefeh Party, a key supporter of the traditional clerical establishment.
The Iran-China Chamber of Commerce initially started with 65 influential merchants but has expanded over the years and reportedly now has around 7,000 members. Since December 2021, Majidreza Hariri has been the President of the Iran-China Joint Chamber of Commerce. He also serves as the Chairman of the Board for the “Non-Commercial Exporters Association of Iranian Handicrafts” and as the Vice Inspector of the Iran-Canada Chamber of Commerce. There is little information available about his activities in these roles and their impact on company profitability.
Internal structure and membership levels
According to its bylaws, the entity is managed by a board of directors elected by the members. Membership in this chamber has three levels—standard member, supervising member, and honorary member. Only standard members have the right to vote in the board election.
There are three steps required to join the entity:
- Presenting a “trade card” (issued by the Ministry of Commerce for businessmen and businesses who want to do business in Iran).
- Payment of the membership fee.
- Acceptance of the entity’s bylaws.
In the internal structure of this organization, various committees and commissions are operational that provide services to the members.
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