Ministry Split to Foster Bigger Gov't Intervention: Opinion

Economic expert Hamid Azarmand believes that the government’s desire to regain a tighter grip over local markets is the underlying motivation for separating the trade wing of the Ministry of Industries, Mining and Trade and establishing a new ministry. 
On Sept. 24, Iranian parliamentarians agreed in principle to the formation of the Ministry of Commerce with 132 votes in favor and 78 against, while eight abstained.
The decision is expected to be implemented by the end of the current Iranian year on March 19, 2020.
Once approved in its entirety, the separation of commerce department from the current ministry would reverse the decision of former president, Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, during his last days in office in 2012 to merge several ministries, purportedly to create a streamlined and efficient administration.