An Iranian top official has said that there are about three million people unemployed in the country.
Citing statistics, Deputy Interior Minister for Planning and Budget Affairs Mohammad-Reza Behzadian told a seminar on investment in the province of Fars that 700,000 to 800,000 jobs are needed annually, as quoted by the Iranian official news agency (IRNA).
The official added that the country has to welcome foreign investment to create jobs and increase production. Despite certain political problems facing foreign investment, the way should be paved for the purpose, he said.
US companies are barred from investing in Iran’s oil sector, the major source of income in the Asian country, due to an embargo imposed by Washington since 1996.
The Interior Ministry official said amendment to the taxation law, issuance of permits for establishment of private banks, and reforms in laws on the capital market are among strategies adopted for expansion of investment.
He said the Islamic Republic of Iran moves towards purchase of goods from the country of origin and this would in the long run affect activities of those importing goods through a third party. (Albawaba.com)
