Although Iran's Chamber of Commerce, Industries, Mines and Agriculture was once governed by officials who would not allow the press anywhere near their premises, it is now led by a merchant who is vastly different from his predecessors.
Early in the mornings and late at night, Mohsen Jalalpour, head of ICCIMA, replies to his followers' comments on Instagram and at times even leaves comments on their accounts. He pursues more serious matters privately on Instagram direct—the applications' private messaging feature.
Using his iPhone 6, he often uses hashtags such as #private_sector #Chamber_of_commerce, #freeeconomy and #Iran_economy on his posts, Eghtesad News reported.
Jalalpour—who can be found on Instagram with screen-name JALALPOUR_M—has started an Instagram campaign calling on top officials to help educate economic journalists while launching his related initiative at ICCIMA.
Earlier in a press conference, he had even announced that an office dedicated entirely to social media is being set up at the chamber. Stressing the importance of updating the journalists, Jalapour noted that one of the most important problems is that most Iranian journalists are not thoroughly familiar with the realities of Iran's economy.
According to the official, journalists often make blatant errors when reporting on economic statistics, making it necessary for ICCIMA to help resolve this issue.
"The economic faculties of Iran's leading universities and educational organizations are ideal for hosting such courses," he said.
As a first step, with the assistance of Masoud Nili, the senior presidential advisor for economic affairs, Jalalpour already launched an educational course for journalists.
The Institute for Management and Planning Studies—affiliated to the Strategic Planning and Control Department affiliated to the Presidential Office—has helped prepare the syllabi and will also be providing professors.
ICCIMA is responsible for the planning and registration as well as for providing the educational facilities. Those who successfully complete the courses will be given a certificate.
On his Instagram post, Jalalpour has also called on Economy Minister Ali Tayyebnia, head of Islamic Republic of Iran’s Customs Administration, Masoud Karbasian, and Minister of Cooperatives, Labor and Social Welfare Ali Rabiei to join him in his effort to conduct economic courses for journalists.
Masoud Karbasian was the first of the three officials to respond. Karbasian said he does not have an Instagram account himself, but he has read Jalalpour's comments and supports the campaign.
Praising the innovative idea, Karbasian said he has communicated the message to the public relations office and other affiliated sectors at IRICA so that they also organize educational courses for journalists.
"Curriculums will include courses on international trade, trade balance and customs procedures. Journalists who complete the course will be granted certificates," Karbasian said.
