Veep says gov’t bent on ensuring energy supply for industry, mining
Economy Desk
Vice President Mohammadreza Aref visited the Ministry of Industry, Mine, and Trade on Saturday for a cordial discussion with the minister and deputies and said the government is committed to ensuring energy supply for industry and mining sector.
He praised the ministry for being led by an experienced minister and acknowledged its critical role in driving development, wrote fvpresident.ir.
During the meeting, Aref emphasized that the ministry combines the responsibilities of three ministries and expressed satisfaction with its experienced leadership, which has a strong grasp of the industrial, mining, and trade sectors.
Aref reviewed reports on challenges such as deficits in industry, mining, and trade, as well as production declines in sectors like steel, cement, and automotive.
He noted, however, that positive growth trends in other areas and increased exports reflect the success of the government in recent months and affirmed that the slogan of unity declared by the president has been maintained at the highest level.
Describing the ministry as a “catalyst for development,” Aref highlighted its unparalleled potential to spur growth. He expressed confidence that the ministry, with its capable team, would achieve desired growth outcomes, aligning with the Seventh Development Plan.
He acknowledged that industrial growth had slowed in recent years but remained optimistic about future progress.
Addressing energy shortages and their impact on industry and mining, Aref reiterated the government’s commitment to ensuring energy supply and supporting these sectors.
He praised the president’s active involvement in resolving these issues, noting significant achievements in this area.
Aref called for greater efforts from the industrial sector to address energy shortages, criticizing inefficiencies in optimization.
He pointed out that outdated heating, cooling, and refrigeration systems in the country contribute to energy waste, contrasting this with practices in other nations where such systems are regularly upgraded.
Aref recalled a water shortage during his studies abroad, where local authorities reduced water waste by 40% through simple upgrades.
He urged attendees to propose similar solutions for energy imbalances, suggesting that replacing outdated systems could be cost-effective.
Aref advised ministry officials to identify and address institutional challenges in coordination with other government bodies to ensure a smoother start to the next year.
Empowering private sector
The VP emphasized the private sector’s role in advancing development programs, noting past shortcomings in supporting this sector.
He stated that the government is now committed to creating a more enabling environment for private enterprises, with a clear strategy in place.
Aref highlighted the private sector’s importance in market regulation and called on chambers of commerce, trade, and cooperatives to play a more active role.
Addressing unfair competition
Aref referenced discussions with Iranian traders in Almaty, Kazakhstan, during the Eurasian Economic Union meeting and acknowledged that minor issues have hindered Iranian businesses and stressed the need for regional cooperation in Eurasia.
He noted that unfair competition following the Soviet Union’s collapse has allowed other countries to surpass Iran in Central Asia.
Strengthening automotive industry
Aref called for a more competitive approach in the automotive industry, urging officials to develop strategies for producing successful vehicles.
He highlighted past opportunities in Central Asia, where Iranian cars once had a strong presence, and encouraged the industry to learn from past experiences to regain competitiveness.
Household power plants a solution
Aref proposed household power plants as a solution to energy shortages, citing examples from countries like Germany where such systems contribute significantly to electricity production.
He urged the development of a detailed plan to implement this solution in Iran.
Addressing domestic trade officials, Aref emphasized the importance of monitoring direct supply of goods during Ramadan and the New Year holidays.
At the start of the meeting, the minister and deputies presented updates on structural reforms, growth initiatives in industry, mining, and trade, upcoming projects, and support packages.