Iran’s Minister of Industry, Mine and Trade has reiterated the government's commitment to supporting small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), stating that all industrial loan facilities this year are exclusively designated for them.
Speaking at a meeting with senior officials from Iran Chamber of Commerce, provincial chamber heads, and business associations on Monday, Mohammad Atabak said that 70% of last year’s credit allocations went to SMEs and that the entire package this year would be reserved for them. “Large enterprises will not be eligible for these facilities,” he added.
The minister acknowledged concerns over export duties but noted that removing them is outside the ministry’s authority. “Nevertheless, we must find ways to reduce tariffs by any means possible to facilitate exports,” he said.
Addressing the economic aftermath of the recent 12-day war between Iran and Israel, Atabak said the resulting disruptions in production and factory operations were to be expected. “Some of the tensions you’re witnessing in manufacturing are natural, though they should not persist,” he said, adding that a wartime support package had been implemented and proved effective. “The provisions of that package are renewable, and we must pursue their extension.”