VP: Gov’t not to allow obstacles to hold back producers
Iran’s Vice President Mohammad Reza Aref emphasized that supporting the private sector is a top priority for the government, stating that its task is to remove obstacles from the path of producers.
“For development programs to endure and succeed, the private sector must take the lead and assume responsibility, while the government acts as a facilitator,” Aref said at the launch ceremony of phase one of the Azarbaijan fruit plain agro-industrial complex in East Azarbaijan Province.
Earlier in his remarks, Aref described the launch of phase one as aligning with the Vision Document, the Seventh Development Plan, national policies, and the theme of the current year. “With this phase becoming operational, a vital regional project is now realized,” he said, as reported by ISNA.
Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei, in his felicitation message on the occasion of Nowruz on March 20, called for “Investments for Production.”
Notably, phase one of the Azarbaijan fruit plain agro-industrial complex — developed through private sector investment — was inaugurated with Aref in attendance. It will directly employ 300 individuals and create 1,000 indirect jobs.
The vice president also noted that past experience has shown government-led execution imposes limited growth capacity due to bureaucratic constraints, whereas public-driven initiatives unlock limitless potential.
“The history of the Islamic Revolution demonstrates that wherever the people have actively participated, capacities became boundless, and we achieved our goals entirely. This outlook aligns with the Fourteenth Government’s strategy,” he said.
“The government’s task is to remove obstacles — or, in industrialists’ terms, to avoid creating new barriers. Under this administration, we will not permit hurdles to be placed before producers,” Aref added.
“We are pursuing self-sufficiency and resilience in industry and agriculture despite water shortages and declining rainfall.”
Stressing that production serves employment, meeting public needs, and wealth generation, Aref stated, “Production here relates to our shared civilizational sphere, home to a 300-million-strong population bound by cultural, historical, and civilizational commonalities.”
Referencing the strategy of agriculture and strategic goods production to meet domestic needs across development plans, he acknowledged, “In some years, we exceeded 120 million tons of agricultural output, but post-harvest losses and intermediary exploitation remained critical issues. Short-term profit motives have historically blocked processing industries from gaining traction.”
Aref also criticized the “predatory pricing of horticultural products by brokers in the northwest,” reaffirming that successive governments have prioritized strengthening processing industries. “These industries address national needs, create jobs, and elevate living standards, particularly for marginalized communities.”
On water scarcity, he stressed the urgency of coordinated action, “Public cooperation can rationalize consumption, while the government must secure water through supply projects and inter-basin transfers.”
Aras River water transfer project
In the northwestern province of East Azarbaijan, he noted, the Aras River water transfer project — allocating 180 million cubic meters — will supply Tabriz, Jolfa, Marand, Shabestar, and surrounding villages. “The government is fully prepared to resolve the project’s core challenges. Contractors have pledged to complete it a year ahead of schedule,” he said.
Aref further highlighted that the Seventh Development Plan targets 8% annual growth to drive economic progress. “An 8% growth rate necessitates investment in production.”