Sanctions, FATF blacklisting hamper foreign investment flow: Hemmati
Over the past two years and eight months, Iran has attracted just $2.1 billion in foreign investment, said the economy minister, attributing the low figure largely to restrictions caused by sanctions and the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) blacklisting, and emphasizing that the ongoing efforts will improve the situation.
According to IRNA, Abdolnaser Hemmati said in a televised interview on Sunday night that a joint session between the government and Parliament highlighted a spirit of unity.
He stated that the meeting was an opportunity to present key economic indicators to lawmakers, stressing the importance of strategic decisions given the concurrent four-year terms of the incumbent government and Parliament, expressing optimism that cooperation between the two bodies could resolve many national issues.
Hemmati discussed his recent participation in a global investment conference in Riyadh, noting the event’s significance. “It provided a platform to present our country’s positions to more than 2,500 global investment experts and at least 20 ministers,” he said.
The minister also highlighted productive meetings with Saudi Arabia’s ministers of economy and investment, where they explored ways to strengthen economic and political ties. In addition, Hemmati met with the president of the Islamic Development Bank and the head of the OPEC Fund. He announced that the OPEC Fund agreed to involve Iranian consultants and contractors in investment projects in developing countries. The minister acknowledged that Iran’s investment climate remains challenging due to sanctions and FATF restrictions, but he remains hopeful that recent talks with international counterparts, including discussions on technology transfer, will lead to positive developments.