Hamidreza Salehi, at a side meeting of the 26th International Electricity Industry Exhibition of Iran, stated to reporters that the role of energy infrastructure in the country's economic growth is crucial: "The industrial sector plays an important role in economic growth, and industrial development is not possible without sustainable energy infrastructure."
The Necessity of Consulting with the Private Sector
Salehi emphasized: "Electricity industry policymaking should be such that it creates the grounds for production growth, industrial development, and increasing the competitiveness of the country's economy." He also noted that it is expected that important economic and energy decisions in the country be made in consultation with the private sector. The law for continuous improvement of the business environment also emphasizes the necessity of participation and consultation with economic organizations.
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Existing Challenges and Export Opportunities
The chairman of the Energy Export Federation, referring to the country's vast natural resources in oil, gas, and energy, added: "According to the goals of the 20-year outlook document and the program law, the country's foreign exchange revenues should reach 160 billion dollars. However, statistics show that non-oil foreign exchange revenues and the share of the private sector are far from this figure."
He also pointed out the export capacities of the country's electricity industry, stating: "The market of neighboring countries, especially Iraq and Pakistan, has provided a significant economic opportunity for Iranian companies. Our estimates indicate that the value of this market is around 50 billion dollars. With appropriate planning, Iran can secure a substantial share of it."
Salehi criticized the reduction of opportunities for Iranian companies in some regional markets, adding: "The government can facilitate the presence of domestic companies in foreign projects by providing necessary guarantees for Iranian contractors and strengthening economic diplomacy."
He further referred to the potential for developing renewable power plants and said: "The country has significant capacity for developing solar power plants, with the possibility of creating around 30,000 megawatts in this area. Achieving this goal requires economic security, regulatory stability, and creating predictable income for investors."
Salehi emphasized the necessity of changing the government's role, stating: "The government should distance itself from direct involvement and focus on policymaking and regulation. The experience of developing the telecommunications industry has shown that wherever the government has distanced itself from direct involvement, the possibility of development and increasing service quality has improved."
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