The official, who held talks with Cuban Prime Minister Manuel Marrero Cruz on the sidelines of the Sixth China International Import Expo (CIIE) and the Hongqiao International Economic Forum in Shanghai, added Tehran is ready to help Havana renovate its refineries.

Iran is manufacturing equipment needed in the oil, gas, and petrochemical industries, power plants, and refineries, said Mokhber, adding different types of catalysts are also produced in the country.

He called for activating the joint commission and outlining a roadmap for expanding bilateral economic relations.

Iran and Cuba have a common enemy [the U.S.], which has done unfair acts against both nations, said Mokhber, adding it is not reasonable that the two countries conduct their trade in the currency [the dollar] of the hostile country.

The engagement of the private sector is the most important step the two countries need to take for promoting bilateral economic cooperation, noted the first vice president, calling for using a barter system and increasing banking and monetary cooperation in their local currencies.

Iran is holding a pavilion at the Sixth China International Import Expo, which opened at Shanghai’s National Convention and Exhibition Center today and will run through November 10.

More than 50 Iranian companies and 250 traders have participated in the event.