Gov’t to Fully Support Non-Oil Exports

IRAN NEWS ECONOMIC DESK

TEHRAN – First Vice President Eshaq Jahangiri says the government emphasizes non-oil exports and it will support non-oil exports despite its budget limitation.

Jahangiri said that Iran needs export of non-oil commodities in the current year [started March 21, 2020] more than any other time and non-oil export is the main and top priority of the government.

He made the remarks in a meeting with the minister of industry, mine and trade, deputies and senior managers of the ministry and added, “non-oil exports should be put atop agenda as a serious and determining issue. Although the government has budget restrictions in this field, it will support non-oil export.”

Export to neighboring countries is the main aim of the government, he said, adding, “With the planning made in this regard, Iran must export $48 billion worth of non-oil products to neighboring countries by 2021.”

He pointed to the economic recession in post-corona era and said, “if the country faces any reduction in export of petrochemical products and metals in post-corona period, we should prepare ourselves to compensate shortfalls with more focusing on export of non-oil commodities and provide required currency resources.”

The Ministry of Industry managed to provide basic goods and commodities of people during coronavirus outbreak especially at the condition that Iran is grappling with economic war with the United States, Jahangiri stressed.

He went on to say the government will support private sector and those who are active in import and export as forerunners in countering sanctions and coronavirus condition.

He added that all should work together to boost the society and economy’s resistance against Coronavirus and supporting the weak layers of the society should be prioritized despite all restrictions.

Jahangiri reiterated that undoubtedly, private sector and trade activists especially importers and exporters are frontline fighters because they have supported the country during the sanctions and Coronavirus outbreak.

He added that the government’s main target is to boost exports to neighboring states as the industry ministry planned and Iran’s exports to 15 neighboring states should hit $48b by 2021 and all should work harder in the post-Coronavirus era to boost any decline in the non-oil exports.

Jahangiri reiterated that those who get official rate forex to import goods and ignore it are traitors and should be punished.

He noted that all should oppose corruption and to fight with it and the government is pioneer in transparency and fight with corruption.

Jahangiri also urged domestic media to avoid preparing stuff for foreign media for questioning Iran’s government and establishment.