Iran Ranks Second After China in Fastest Strategic Industrial Growth

TEHRAN (Iran News) Speaking at a cooperation agreement ceremony between the Office of the Supreme Leader’s Representative in Universities and the Ministry of Industry, Mining, and Trade, Minister Mohammad Atabak emphasized Iran’s industrial advancements. He highlighted the importance of conveying the nation’s scientific and industrial progress to the younger generation, countering misinformation designed to diminish hope among the youth.

“At every stage of my career in the industry, I have seen that hope is the driving force behind any progress. Enemies of the nation target hope first, particularly among the educated youth. However, the reality is that Iran has made significant strides in numerous sectors compared to the pre-revolution era,” Atabak stated.

He noted that the Islamic Republic of Iran has made substantial contributions on the international stage. Many achievements credited to the pre-revolution era actually occurred under the Islamic Republic, yet the government has struggled to effectively communicate these realities to young elites and future leaders.

Atabak stressed the necessity of fostering stronger connections between academia and the industrial sector, encouraging university students and researchers to engage directly with Iran’s industrial advancements. He specifically pointed to Iran’s progress in the steel industry, stating, “Iran has achieved the second-fastest growth in strategic industries after China, and we have successfully reached our 2025 vision for steel production.”

Currently, Iran ranks as the world’s tenth-largest steel producer and the second-largest producer of sponge iron. Atabak credited Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei’s emphasis on mining and the expertise of Iranian specialists in exploration and extraction as key factors in this success.

The minister also touched upon Iran’s urban development projects, stating that the Islamic Republic has played a crucial role in major construction initiatives. He mentioned the construction of 12,000 units in Ekbatan Town as an example of the government’s efforts, refuting claims that such developments were primarily pre-revolution achievements. He highlighted the challenge of incomplete information dissemination as a major issue in public awareness.”China ”

The Head of the Supreme Leader’s Representative Office in Universities, Hojatoleslam Mostafa Rostami, emphasized the importance of academic engagement with industry. He described the exposure of young scholars to industrial realities as a two-way benefit: it familiarizes students with national achievements and allows the scientific community to address industry-related challenges effectively.

Rostami noted that Iran has witnessed major transformations across various sectors since the Islamic Revolution. Many of the nation’s industrial and economic capacities have been realized under the Ministry of Industry, Mining, and Trade. He urged universities to integrate industrial advancements into their educational frameworks, enhancing both knowledge transfer and economic development.

“Universities have significant potential, and if presented with industrial challenges, they will work towards resolving them. This collaboration will ultimately strengthen the academic sector, enrich the economy, and lead to substantial national benefits,” he concluded.

The cooperation agreement titled “Narrative of Progress” was officially signed between the Office of the Supreme Leader’s Representative in Universities and the Ministry of Industry, Mining, and Trade on Saturday. This initiative aims to promote and document Iran’s scientific and industrial achievements, reinforcing the nation’s commitment to continued growth and development.