Digital Economy Key to Reviving Iran’s Economy

TEHRAN (Iran News) Speaking during a joint session with Seyed Sattar Hashemi, the Minister of Communications and Information Technology, Madanizadeh outlined the government’s serious commitment to supporting the digital economy as the vanguard of Iran’s modern economic transition.

“The digital economy is not just another sector—it’s a strategic solution to many of Iran’s long-standing economic challenges,” Madanizadeh stated. “With its dynamic and flexible nature, it stands in stark contrast to the outdated traditional structures that continue to hamper productivity and growth.”

Highlighting the sector’s impressive productivity rates, Madanizadeh said it is his duty, as finance minister, to support and enable the growth of this industry, which he referred to as one of the fastest-growing in the nation.

He stressed that digital technologies can significantly increase economic efficiency and unlock new opportunities for growth, ultimately contributing more substantially to the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP).

Madanizadeh acknowledged the existing hurdles faced by private sector players in the digital economy but affirmed that the government is determined to resolve these issues through collaboration.

“There are no easy solutions, but with joint effort and dialogue between government and industry, effective pathways can be found,” he added.

He also outlined four key initiatives designed to support the development of the digital economy:

The recently approved “Law on Production Financing and Infrastructure” recognizes intangible assets—such as intellectual property and digital products—as legitimate for financial backing. Madanizadeh announced that the corresponding executive regulations were ratified last week and are now under the responsibility of the Securities and Exchange High Council to implement.

A newly established collateral platform will allow for a broader range of assets to be used as security, thereby unlocking new financing mechanisms and enhancing credit access for digital businesses.

The National Deregulation Committee, in cooperation with the private sector, will work to eliminate unnecessary regulatory burdens, streamline business processes, and foster a more agile startup environment.

Competition council will address anti-competitive practices and ensure fair market access, particularly for digital firms attempting to disrupt traditional monopolies.

Madanizadeh announced the creation of a Digital Economy Task Force, with a mandate to address financing, infrastructure, and digital services. Subcommittees will be formed under this task force to work closely with private enterprises and resolve practical challenges on the ground.

He underlined that the digital economy must be deeply integrated into Iran’s broader economic system to help solve fundamental structural issues. “These meetings must continue, not just as symbolic gestures, but as real opportunities to advance both your efforts and the nation’s economy,” he said.

Calling for deeper cooperation with the private sector, the finance minister pledged to use the full capabilities of his ministry to empower digital businesses.

During the same meeting, Minister of Communications and Information Technology Seyed Sattar Hashemi praised digital economy players for their resilience during the recent 12-day conflict, during which service disruptions were feared but largely avoided.

“Despite extreme hardships and constraints that worsened during wartime, you never let the country down,” Hashemi said. “You continued serving the public with dedication, and for that, I am truly grateful.”

Hashemi remarked that Madanizadeh’s appointment as Finance Minister has given the government renewed confidence in pushing forward digital transformation goals. “With him in office, we in the cabinet feel much more supported and optimistic about achieving real progress.”

He also revealed that the Ministry of Communications has already designed a comprehensive national digital transformation program, which will soon be shared with private sector partners.

Addressing the industry representatives directly, Hashemi emphasized that government-led initiatives can only succeed with active private sector involvement. “Only through genuine partnership with you can we ensure meaningful and sustainable digital reforms in Iran.”

The meeting marked a significant moment of alignment between Iran’s economic and technological leadership, signaling a renewed focus on the digital economy as a cornerstone of national recovery and future resilience. With new legal frameworks, structural reforms, and task forces underway, Iran appears poised to accelerate its transition into the digital age—provided cooperation between the state and the private sector continues to deepen.