1st VP stresses Iran’s role in advanced ICT

“Cyber security is a very important issue for us. Make serious investments in this field and invite elite professors and academics to cooperate,” he said.

Aref introduced new employment and increasing in GDP share as ministry’s two vital roles and said, ”Although the legislation has mandated 20 percent employment in this sector and has assigned 200,000 jobs to the ICT sector out of every million new jobs, it is possible that in the digital economy, more employment in this field can be achieved with further efforts.”

He pointed out the necessity of international cooperation and said, “Our advantage of this sector is the skilled, outstanding and motivated human resources that we have in the country. Today, even despite the sanctions, we are a leader in the region and have a very high scientific base and we can use this ability especially in the region."

"The strategy of the government is to expand regional cooperation, especially with neighboring countries. We are present in the ECO, Shanghai, BRICS and Eurasian organization. Their member countries are interested in cooperating with us. In addition, we must have an active presence in scientific forums or effective international institutions."

Aref emphasized the role of ICT diplomacy and added, "Specialized diplomacy can make outstanding contributions to political diplomacy. We have seen its results in the African continent."

The first vice president also reiterated cyber defense is very important to the country. “In this field, pursue the work seriously in cooperation with relevant universities and ministries, and especially support research and studies in this area, and advance the work in cooperation with elite professors and academics.”

Aref praised the activities of the Iranian Space Agency and said, "The spirit of courage in space activities is very important, and we support this area with all our might. The strategy of the government is that we want to be a pioneer in this area, and it is good that we have found the courage to enter higher orbits."

Report of ICT Minister

In the meeting which was held on Saturday evening, ICT Minister Hashemi emphasized the acceleration of the development process of activities in the government. He listed the priorities of the ministry from the development of the 5G communication network to the capacities to expand technological diplomacy.

He referred to the necessity of achieving the 10 percent share of digital economy in the GDP with the focus on the Seventh Development Plan and "enlarging the digital economy cake," and said, “With a different perspective on the issue of e-government, we are trying to define a specific package and a common perspective on processes and systems in relation with the  Public Administrative and Recruitment Organization.”

Hashemi said improving the quality of the communication network and transparency of regulation in the field of communications are among the serious demands of the people and said, "Meeting this demand is seriously on the agenda."

"Following the holding of numerous expert meetings, good results have been achieved that will soon lead to the acceleration of the development of the fifth 5G network with the auction of 3600 MHz frequency sources. Considering the numerous stakeholders that this frequency has, its release indicates the formation of consensus and unparalleled support."

ICT minister mentioned smart industry as another main focus of the ministry and said, “This important issue was formed with the active and effective involvement of the ICT Ministry in the subject of energy imbalances and the presentation of a plan that is the product of four months of unremitting efforts of our colleagues in cooperation with the ministries of energy and petroleum.”

Tech Diplomacy

Hashemi also referred to inclusion of technological Diplomacy on the agenda of the ICT Ministry in the government.

“In the past four months, despite the continuation and intensification of sanctions, we have gained achievements in regional and international visits, from Latin America to the Persian Gulf countries. Important contracts have been signed with a focus on developing cooperation and strengthening communication and technological diplomacy, which reflects the country’s unique and valuable capacities.”

Referring to the Iran Corridor 2025 conference which was held in Dubai in February at the initiative of the Iranian ICT Ministry and was attended by senior managers of 15 leading regional operators, he said, “Despite the continuation of sanctions, many fruitful interactions were formed. Part of the debts of the Telecommunication Infrastructure Company were settled in a short time, and important agreements were reached to participate in the exploitation of the region’s maritime optical fiber.”

Giant Space Step

Hashemi introduced achievements of the space industry including the plan to launch the NAVAK telecommunications satellite and said, ”This micro-class satellite weighing 40 kilograms is the result of the efforts of the Iranian Space Research Center and will be launched into space with the upgraded Simorgh satellite carrier.”

“The launch of the NAVAK is considered a key step to access geosynchronous equatorial orbit (GEO) and strengthen the country’s communication capacity.”

He said the allocation of the 1500 MHz band to develop the fiber optic network was an essential step and introduced ICT Ministry’s plans for developing the fiber optic network. "Under the current government, the development of the fiber optic network is on the agenda with priority given to connection rather than coverage. The development of this project requires greater support from municipalities across the country."

 After the ICT minister’s speech, a number of deputy ministers presented detailed reports on major measures in their organizations.