President Hassan Rouhani said the government regards the private sector as a partner rather than a rival and trusts it to contribute to plans aimed at creating an economic boom in the wake of relief from nuclear sanctions.
Reiterating that his government wants a more active role for the private sector in the domestic economy, Rouhani said if the government treats the private sector as its competitor, it will not succeed.
"But if it acts as a supporter and facilitator of the private sector's affairs, problems will be solved. This is the approach adopted by the government," IRNA quoted Rouhani as saying in an address to an economic conference in Kerman Province on Tuesday.
"The profit-oriented private sector is careful about making wise investments to ensure high returns and this is beneficial to the national economy," he said.
The president called on both the public and private sectors to make the most of such unprecedented level of investment enthusiasm worldwide for business with Iranians, sparked by the removal of sanctions in January when last July's nuclear deal with major powers took effect.
Rouhani's effort to deliver on his 2013 electoral promise of boosting the national economy by opening Iran's market to overseas investment has met strong opposition from conservatives who fear such an opening could expose the country to plots by the West, which they insist can never be trusted.
He underscored the importance of providing business security to assure international firms and investors, noting that it is now closely tied to national security.
"The country is in a situation where any attempt to interfere with investment security amounts to undermining national security," he said.
Referring to the government's efforts to foster international relations, Rouhani said, "Obviously, it is easy to quickly damage relations with the world, but mending strained international ties is difficult and time-consuming."
