VP outlines gov’t strategy to empower private sector
Vice President Mohammadreza Aref visited the “Pioneers of Progress” exhibition, a national event showcasing the achievements and capabilities of the private sector in Tehran on Thursday afternoon. During his visit, the VP reviewed the latest advancements in the private sector and emphasized that the current administration’s strategy is to empower the private sector under government oversight and facilitation.
Aref toured various pavilions at the exhibition, engaging with private sector representatives and key economic drivers, according to fvpresident.ir.
He was briefed on recent achievements, localization of major industries, technological advancements, and selected projects aimed at achieving an 8% economic growth target during the Seventh Economic Development Plan.
The vice president visited booths representing sectors such as oil and gas, aluminum, petrochemicals, steel, mining, transportation, medical equipment, pharmaceuticals, and information technology.
He heeded concerns and requests from private sector figures, including support for downstream industries, reducing government bureaucracy, streamlining permit issuance, revising restrictive regulations, addressing currency and tariff issues, facilitating raw material imports, resolving tax challenges, and mitigating energy shortages affecting production.
Aref reiterated the government’s serious commitment to supporting the private sector, stating that separate meetings would be held with each sector to address their specific issues.
He highlighted the significance of Article 44 of the Constitution, noting that prior to its implementation, governments were inclined to operate within their own frameworks. However, the policy opened new avenues for the private sector to play a more active role in the economy.
“The most important step to facilitate the private sector’s activity is deregulation,” Aref said. “This requires revising laws, changing the approach of regulatory bodies, and ensuring coordination between the government, Parliament, and relevant bodies to avoid creating new restrictive regulations.”
He added that achieving 8% growth requires private sector investment, which necessitates giving investors control over their capital and providing them with necessary assurances.
Aref emphasized that global experiences have shown privatization and deregulation to be key drivers of economic development.
“The current administration’s strategy is to strengthen the private sector’s role under government supervision and facilitation, enabling it to contribute more significantly to increasing the gross domestic product (GDP),” he said.
“The current 40% share of the private sector and economic drivers in GDP must be expanded.”
Aref acknowledged the legitimacy of the private sector’s demands, stating that the government is obligated to remove barriers and enable its greater participation in the economy.
He noted that the private sector enjoys the potential not only to meet domestic needs but also to play a significant role in exporting goods and techno-engineering services to neighboring countries and the broader region.
“The private sector has the capacity to elevate Iran’s economic presence in the region and beyond,” he concluded.