A senior Iranian private sector leader says that boosting domestic production and expanding exports are critical for achieving the government’s 8% economic growth target under the Seventh Development Plan.
Payam Bagheri, Vice President of Iran Chamber of Commerce, Industries, Mines, and Agriculture, made the remarks during a joint meeting on Sunday between the chamber’s board members, heads of its specialized commissions, and officials from the minister of industry, mine and trade and his deputies.
“Strengthening national production and removing barriers to it, alongside increasing exports, are two key drivers for economic growth,” Bagheri said. “Both fall within the core responsibilities of the Ministry of Industry, Mine and Trade.”
Bagheri stressed that enhancing domestic production requires not only greater effort from businesses and producers, but also government investment in key infrastructure, including energy and power supply. “The readiness of production infrastructure is essential if the year’s motto, ‘Investment for Production,’ is to be realized,” he said.
He warned that parts of Iran’s industrial capacity remain underutilized due to inadequate infrastructure. “A significant portion of our production capacity is neglected because the necessary foundations are not in place.”
Bagheri also pointed to energy imbalances as a major hurdle, attributing many of the issues to government-imposed price controls. “As long as these mandatory pricing policies are in place, resolving these challenges will remain difficult,” he said.
Turning to economic policy, he emphasized the need for closer cooperation between the Chamber and the Ministry of Industry, Mine and Trade (MIMT) in currency-related matters. “Currency policies now overshadow trade policies, which has deeply affected the country’s commerce,” he noted.
He concluded by calling for a “dynamic and organic relationship” between the Chamber of Commerce and the Ministry to ensure coherent and effective economic planning.