Iran's Economy Ministry Proposes Divestment in 7 Major Companies

As the budget deficit expands, the Economy Ministry has asked the government to divest a part of its stakes in seven companies. 
According to a press release published on the Cabinet website cabinetoffice.ir, the ministry acknowledged that “there are major difficulties around ceding government shares” but divesture is essential due to the budgetary constraints.
The government, as per the budget, can generate 950 trillion rials ($3.5 billion) by selling shares in state companies in the present fiscal year that ends in March 2022.    
The ministry said the government potentially is capable of selling shares worth 1,700 trillion rials ($6.3b) in the seven companies, but has to remove the hurdles and simplify procedures. 
Three of the companies on the divestment list are affiliated to ministries and administrative bodies that seem unwilling to sell assets.