An Iranian businessman and private sector operator has emphasized the importance of public involvement in realizing Iran’s long-term economic goals, as the country prepares for drafting a new vison plan ahead of the expiration of a 20-year document next year.
Farshid Shokrekhodaei, the head of the Investment and Financial Commission of Iran Chamber of Commerce, Industries, Mines, and Agriculture (ICCIMA), argued that the government is not the sole executor of the Vision Plan, which is set to conclude in 2025. "It is the people, from all walks of life, who ultimately drive the objectives outlined in the Vision," he said.
He also stressed that it is crucial for the government to take into account the views and choices of the public in shaping the next phase of the country's development. "The government must assess which paths the people are willing to choose to move forward with," Shokrekhodaei added.
Shokrekhodaei referred to an annual 8 percent growth envisaged in the new Vision plan, calling for realistic approaches in making long-term planning.
The member of the board of representatives of the Iran Chamber of Commerce described the Vision Plan as a long-term framework containing different policy measures. "Having a document is not enough. We need to reach consensus on the provisions within it," he stated.
He also noted that any future plan must prioritize the economic well-being of the people. "The overarching principle is that until the country's economic situation stabilizes, other issues are secondary. Economic development is a key driver for progress in other sectors, and this cannot be ignored," Shokrekhodaei emphasized.
He outlined three key pillars for the next Vision Plan: realism, consensus-building, and incorporating input from all stakeholders, including the private sector, political parties, think tanks, and other relevant actors.
As the current 20-year plan nears its conclusion, the Iran Chamber of Commerce's Research Center is working to gather expert opinions from across the country to help shape a new Vision.