Iran Ranks 127th in Global Ease of Doing Business: A Warning for Investment

TEHRAN (Iran News)  Navid Amjad, head of the Entrepreneurship, Knowledge-Based Economy, and Business Environment Improvement Commission at the Tabriz Chamber of Commerce, described these rankings as “highly unfavorable” during a recent commission meeting. He warned that the decline in Iran’s standing increases investment risks, according to a report by Iran Chamber of Commerce Online (Otaghiranonline).

Amjad stressed the urgency of improving Iran’s ranking despite internal and external sanctions, emphasizing the need for collective efforts to enhance the conditions for starting and managing businesses. He highlighted the importance of monitoring the business environment, urging a shift in methods to ensure faster, more accurate, and reliable data collection. He called on provincial institutions to swiftly present actionable plans to reform and improve the business climate in East Azerbaijan.

The commission chair also underscored the need for cultural shifts among economic stakeholders, encouraging active participation in business environment surveys. “If executive bodies integrate these questionnaires into their client respect initiatives, it would foster a culture of engagement, increase response rates, and improve the credibility of results,” Amjad noted.

Globally, the Ease of Doing Business index is a critical measure for investment attractiveness, with the International Monetary Fund establishing benchmarks in this area. In Iran, the National Center for Business Environment Studies, Monitoring, and Improvement—formed in 2017 under the Ministry of Economic Affairs—aims to bolster the private sector and enhance the business landscape.

Amjad expressed optimism that with collective participation, East Azerbaijan’s business environment could see significant progress. He urged stakeholders to aim not just for national averages but to benchmark against top-performing provinces. The meeting, attended by representatives from the private and public sectors, focused on identifying key indicators and challenges to improve the province’s business climate, reinforcing the Tabriz Chamber’s commitment to economic development.