The Iranian Minister of Information and Communication Technology Seyed Sattar Hashemi said on Monday that digital economy stakeholders and private sector companies have been holding meetings in the presence of the President, heads of branches of power, and the Secretary of the Supreme National Security Council during which their issues are addressed explicitly.
He made the statement in a meeting
with elites, academics, and practitioners of the ICT sector, as well as
knowledge-based companies in Hormozgan Province, during a one-day working visit
to the provincial capital, Bandar Abbas.
Hashemi highlighted the vital role of
the private sector in providing sustainable, 24-hour services in the digital
economy.
He described the interaction of digital
economy stakeholders and private firms with the country’s top-ranking officials
as crucial for the frank presentation of issues and effective decision-making
in the field of the digital economy.
During the visit, the ICT Minister
inaugurated 425 projects in Hormozgan Province, with a total investment of USD
40 million. The projects were launched as part of the Government’s initiatives
to mark the 47th anniversary of the 1979 Islamic Revolution.
Minister Highlights Importance of
Stable, High-Quality Internet
The ICT Minister emphasized that the
development of artificial intelligence, education, commerce, health, and even
security is not possible without stable and high-quality internet access, which
has now become an inseparable part of people’s lives.
“This perspective exists within the
Government, and the ICT Ministry is also moving along this path,” he added.
He further stated that achieving a 10
percent share of the digital economy in GDP is not possible without the active
participation of the private sector.
“The private sector is the only sector
capable of providing stable, 24-hour services, and the successful experiences
of the country’s digital economy have also proven this point,” he said.
Support Packages Planned to Mitigate
Digital Economy Challenges
Referring to the impact of
communications restrictions on the digital economy, Hashemi said: “All the
figures announced regarding damages are based on precise analyses.”
“The 60 percent decrease in consignments
of the National Post Company is a clear indication of the pressure imposed on
the digital economy ecosystem and the threat to employment in this sector.”
He added: “Paying attention to
employment and people’s livelihoods is itself part of ensuring the country’s
sustainable security.”
The ICT minister also Minister announced
plans to support businesses, stating: “Support packages, utilizing the capacity
of the Ministry’s funds, Post Bank of Iran, and the Innovation and Prosperity
Fund, are being finalized, and the details will be announced soon.”
“Knowledge-based companies can take
action through the relevant portals, and other companies can also follow up by
referring to the provincial directors-general.”
Human Resource Migration and Investing
in Education
Hashemi also addressed the issue of
human resource migration and said: “Migration is an undeniable reality, but by
strengthening the role of universities, educational platforms, and startups, it
is possible to improve the balance of specialized human resources.”
He described specialized human resources
as the main driving force of development and emphasized the importance of
special support for enhancing cybersecurity capabilities.
Digital Iran to Drive Innovation and
Industrial Growth
The Minister welcomed the implementation
of the national Digital Iran program, stating: This program begins at the
secondary school level and focuses on training in new technologies and
artificial intelligence.”
He noted that 35 percent of the economic
growth targeted in the Seventh Development Plan is expected to come from
productivity.
“Increasing productivity is not possible
without the use of new technologies. The digital economy must enter the
industrial sector.”
He called for the submission of specific
proposals by provincial stakeholders to facilitate cooperation with the
relevant ministries.
Regarding the proposal to establish a
fiber-optic production factory, Hashemi referred to the implementation of FTTH
projects and the transition from copper cables to fiber optics.
“This national project is being
implemented to increase speed, reduce energy consumption, and improve the
quality of communications. Efforts are being made to rely on domestic
production as much as possible in its supply chain.”
The Minister also highlighted the smart
government plan and the participation of the private sector in launching
related operators, stating, “One aspect of this plan is cross-border trade,
which, given the conditions of Hormozgan Province, should be developed in this
region.”
Hashemi concluded by hoping that, with
continued collaboration between the Government, the private sector, and
universities, the province’s broad capacities will be effectively utilized to
advance the digital economy and promote sustainable growth.