Iran, China agree on joint energy deal

TEHRAN,Nov.6 (MNA)-- Head of Iran's Oil Industry University said Iran and China are ready to conduct joint research and projects related to oil and gas industries. Speaking on the sidelines of his visit to Beijing Oil Industry University, Gholamreza Rashed said the two countries will take practical steps to launch joint educational and industrial projects before October 2012. He added that the two sides have agreed to carry out joint research on oil and gas industries and launch post-graduate (PhD) courses in relevant fields of study. Rashed also signed an agreement with president of the Beijing Oil Industry University, Zhang Laibin who said Iran had as an important role in supplying energy to developing countries. Iran's Oil Industry University is currently working with similar universities in France, Canada and Australia and holds joint educational courses with them. Iran is OPEC's second largest oil producer and the fourth largest crude oil exporter. The country holds the world's third-largest proven oil reserves and the second-largest natural gas reserves.