Azerbaijan, Baku, August 15 / Trend, N.Umid
Iran`s industrial parks are working under 50 percent of their capacity, President Hassan Rouhani's nominee for Industry, Mining and Trade Minister, Mohammadreza Nematzadeh said, Iranian state IRINN TV reported.
Nematzadeh made the remarks during his speech to defend his policies and respond to his critics on the fourth day of Parliamentary debates on Rouhani`s proposed ministers.
He said that activating industry and mining sector will be his first priority, adding that industry and mining sector shares some 37 to 40 percent of Iran's GDP.
"Iran is among world's top 10 countries for its variety of minerals, while exploring and exports in this sector are very weak," Nematzadeh said.
He also went on to note that, some 90 percent of investment problems in industry sector linked to Industry, Mining and Trade Ministry and should be solved.
Nematzadeh said that, he will support private, state and foreign investors of the industry sector, adding that, investment problems are more cultural and social rather than legal.
He remarked that price of staple goods and livestock fodders will not be increased during current solar year (will be ended on March 21, 2014).
Nematzadeh also said that, he will pay attention to handicrafts, especially supporting carpet sewing is among his priorities.
Regarding criticism linked to his age, Nematzadeh, who is 68 years old, said that he has achieved leadership ability in industry sector due to his 35 years of experience.
Nematzadeh served as minister of Industry and mining in the Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani`s administration (1989 to 1997). He also chaired Hassan Rouhani presidential campaign, 2013.
...