President Hassan Rouhani said on Saturday his administration will provide greater support to innovative firms, considering their crucial role in helping the country overcome sanctions and achieve self-sufficiency in different areas.
“I promise that we will make every effort to facilitate the cooperation of knowledge-based companies with the government and meet their demands. We have to create an environment conducive to scientific activities,” he said in a meeting with the heads of knowledge-based and startup firms, the presidential website reported.
Rouhani added that businesses offering creative products and services have contributed greatly to Iran’s progress over the past several years and they bear a heavier responsibility now that US sanctions on Iran have snapped back into force.
US President Donald Trump in May withdrew from the accord between Iran and six world powers aimed at curbing Tehran’s nuclear program in return for lifting international oil and financial sanctions. He ordered the reimposition of US sanctions suspended under the 2015 agreement.
“Sanctions are aimed at slowing down the country’s technological progress, but we have to use the sanctions as an opportunity to make greater progress in the field of technology,” Rouhani said, adding that self-sufficiency can help the country confront the US and other hostile powers.
Physical, Legal Infrastructure
Rouhani noted that the government has launched massive efforts to develop the infrastructure to support the requirements of small- and medium-sized enterprises and knowledge-based companies, which is reflected in the ambitious Pardis Technology Park established in eastern Tehran.
“However, more than physical infrastructure, we need legal infrastructure to solve the legal challenges facing those who want to register their inventions. So the administration and parliament should work together to develop the legal and regulatory infrastructure to help students and researchers flourish,” he said.
Rouhani said all those working in the fields of science and technology should be allowed to freely express their views, as it will lead to a more positive atmosphere.
Rouhani says his administration is determined to tackle corruption in all segments of economy to help reduce its negative impact on the country’s development and sustainability
“It is important to give researchers and students enough leeway for trial and error,” he said, while calling on officials to help strengthen the link between universities and industries.
The president underlined the importance of cooperation with other countries in scientific and technological sectors, stressing that “another responsibility of the government is to facilitate engagement with the rest of the world”.
“Innovative products manufactured inside the country should not be merely used to meet domestic requirements but should also be exported. The government has a duty to create a favorable situation for exports,” he added.
Fighting Corruption
Rouhani stressed that his administration is determined to tackle corruption in all segments of economy to help reduce its negative impact on the country’s development and sustainability.
"One of the most important and effective ways of stemming corruption is through promotion of e-governance," he said.
The president urged knowledge-based companies and startups to pay special attention to pharmaceutical and fintech sectors, as they are vital sectors that bear the brunt of sanctions.
Any practical solution put forward in these spheres can help make the Islamic Republic stronger and blunt the impact of foreign pressure, he added.
Prior to his speech, Rouhani toured an exhibition displaying the latest achievements of knowledge-based and startup businesses.
