TEHRAN (Iran News) During his visit to Kazakhstan for the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) Intergovernmental Council meeting, Mohammad Reza Aref highlighted the importance of regional economic alliances, stating that Iran has no choice but to actively engage in significant regional unions and agreements. He noted that Iran’s efforts in foreign policy and economic diplomacy have led to the country’s participation in such organizations.

Aref recalled his initial efforts in securing Iran’s presence in the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) during the reformist government. He acknowledged that Iran faced challenges in the Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO) due to competition with certain member states, which prevented the country from fully utilizing its potential in the organization.

However, he pointed out that Iran faced no political obstacles in joining the Eurasian Economic Union and that member states have welcomed Iran’s participation. The culmination of these efforts has been a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) between Iran and the EAEU, an essential milestone that will facilitate trade by eliminating barriers. The agreement has already been approved by the Iranian Parliament and awaits final confirmation by the Guardian Council before implementation.

Aref stressed the necessity of private sector involvement in Iran’s economy, stating that the government has recognized that economic goals such as 8% GDP growth and reduced inflation and unemployment cannot be achieved without private sector participation. He clarified that the government’s role is not to control the economy but to provide necessary tools, remove obstacles, and facilitate private sector activities, as outlined in Iran’s Seventh Development Plan.

Furthermore, he emphasized the importance of providing a secure investment environment for Iranian entrepreneurs, both domestically and abroad, to encourage their active participation in the country’s economic landscape. According to Aref, this policy has been well received and is being actively pursued under the current administration.

Recognizing the impact of economic sanctions, Aref noted that the government is prepared to revise laws and regulations to support private sector involvement. He recalled that during the early years of the Islamic Republic, a state-controlled economy was prioritized, but this approach was eventually reformed with the introduction of Article 44 of the Constitution, which promoted privatization and reduced state monopolies.

He assured that the government is committed to resolving challenges rather than imposing restrictions on businesses, emphasizing that leveraging private sector capabilities and engaging in regional and international economic agreements are key strategies for countering sanctions.

Addressing concerns raised by Iranian business leaders in Kazakhstan, Aref acknowledged the economic difficulties caused by Western-imposed sanctions. He criticized these sanctions as unjust and politically motivated, stating that Western nations use them as a tool to pressure Iran despite being fully aware of Iran’s commitment to non-proliferation, as evidenced by the Supreme Leader’s religious decree against nuclear weapons.

He asserted that Iran has never surrendered to external pressure and has continuously found ways to navigate and mitigate the effects of sanctions. One of Iran’s primary strategies in this regard has been the development of international trade corridors, which are actively being discussed in government meetings.

Aref underscored the importance of long-term government support for private sector growth, citing examples of countries that have secured strong regional economic positions through sustained support for their businesses. He acknowledged that Iran has previously neglected opportunities in Central Asia and called for renewed efforts to strengthen economic ties with neighboring countries.

He also stressed the need for improving the quality and packaging of Iranian products to meet international standards and compete effectively in global markets.

Aref highlighted the deep cultural and historical connections between Iran and neighboring nations, noting that many countries in the region share common heritage with Iran. He pointed out that regional cooperation should be built upon these shared cultural and economic foundations, which can foster stronger diplomatic and trade relations.

He recounted his experiences as the President of the University of Tehran, noting that Iran’s educational institutions are highly regarded across the region. He emphasized the need to preserve and leverage this intellectual capital to enhance Iran’s soft power and economic influence.

During the meeting, Iranian business representatives in Kazakhstan presented their challenges and discussed potential solutions with government officials, demonstrating a strong commitment to fostering economic collaboration and overcoming existing obstacles.

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TEHRAN (Iran News) The president made the remarks during a visit to the “Pioneers of Progress” Expo in Tehran on Saturday, where he spoke with private-sector manufacturers and listened to their concerns.

“The government tries to create the conditions for better and more extensive activities of the private sector during all its trips, and to eliminate obstacles to international trade and economic cooperation for this sector,” he said. “Pezeshkian”

“We are seeking individuals within the country who can solve problems, and we will address any issues or obstacles created by the government,” he added.

The national exhibition, showcasing the private sector’s achievements, began last week at Imam Khomeini Hussainia.

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TEHRAN (Iran News) The meeting took place in the Imam Khomeini Complex on Wednesday morning, a day after the Leader paid a visit to the Pioneers of Progress  exhibition, which showcased the private sector’s achievements.

A number of figures active in the private sector are slated to present their views during the meeting.

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Holding tenders in this due has been started since the beginning of this Iranian calendar month (May 22), Mohsen Darabi, the head of the province’s Industry, Mining, and Trade Department, stated.

As previously reported, some 50 trillion rials (over $1.1 billion) worth of mining projects were handed over to the private sector in the previous Iranian calendar year (ended on March 19), Iran Minerals Production and Supply Company (IMPASCO), announced.

According to IMPASCO which is a subsidiary of Iranian Mines and Mining Industries Development and Renovation Organization (IMIDRO), last year, tenders were held for awarding 12 mining projects in which domestic investors as well as companies from China, Tajikistan, Iraq and Georgia participated.

As reported, contribution of the private sector in the country’s mining sector is going to improve the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in the current Iranian calendar year which has been called the year of surge in production by the Leader of the Islamic Republic of Iran Seyed Ali Khamenei.

Utilizing the private sector’s resources, the mining sector is going to generate more employment, production and value added for the country.

Three weeks ago, IMIDRO Head Khodadad Gharibpour announced that IMIDRO is contributing to $1.93 billion worth of projects that are going to be implemented by the private sector.

According to Gharibpour, IMIDRO and its subsidiaries are going to implement 31 projects, worth $2.276 billion, in a variety of fields including steel, copper, gold, antimony, nepheline syenite, phosphate and also mining infrastructure in the current year.

Due to the significant role of the mining sector in the country’s non-oil exports, the Industry Ministry has provisioned operational targets in the mining sector’s three major areas of exploration, extraction and processing in the current year.

According to Deputy Industry Mining, and Trade Minister Darioush Esmaili, the mining sector accounted for 25 percent of the country’s non-oil revenues in the past Iranian calendar year.

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IRAN NEWS ECONOMIC DESK

TEHRAN – Minister of Industry, Mine and Trade has called for strengthening exports and private exports which is the key to overcoming economic war.

Speaking at a ceremony for honoring the exemplary exporters in Isfahan, Reza Rahmani pointed to the existing challenges in front of producers and national economy, adding that today protecting the production is like jihad and he has witnessed that not only the production has been protected but also the companies have expanded their activities.

He reiterated that protecting the production is the priority of the ministry, stipulating that all should work to save national production from harm, reiterating that expansion of exports should be a driving force for production and job creation.

Emphasizing the role of exports in providing necessary forex revenues and helping the country to come out of the cruel sanctions, he said that today export is not an option but it is necessary and in order to succeed in the economic war, the country needs expansion of exports and strengthening of activities in the private sector.

He also said that exporting to neighboring states is an opportunity for national economy, adding that Iran only accounts for 2 percent of neighboring states’ imports and the figure should be four-folded by 2021.

Rahmani also said that the country needs proper policies fitting with the sanctions condition and all should work together in order to overcome sanctions.

He said enemies are trying to inject hopelessness and disappoint into the country and all should work to convert threats into opportunities.

Rahmani added that the ministry has increased the capital of National Development Fund by $200m and it can boost exports and productions.

Meanwhile addressing the ceremony Head of National Exports Guarantee Fund said that banking and forex problems and restrictions as well as high cost of production have been of the major problems for the producers.

Afrooz Bahrami went on to say that devising strategies for industrial development is one of the solutions.

She also pointed to Iran’s insignificant share of world exports, adding that regarding the existing capacities in the country, the figure is not acceptable.

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