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According to the news website “Madan Nameh“,
A meeting to examine the problems of economic activists in Yazd province was held hosted by the National Iranian Copper Industries Company.
The Deputy Minister of Economy, the Deputy Minister of Industry, Mine and Trade, the Governor of Yazd, and a number of managers and economic activists of the province were present at this meeting.
These meetings are held periodically. Each period, one of the economic activists hosts the program.
Governor of Yazd Requests a Review of the Province’s Development Path
Mohammadreza Babaei, Governor of Yazd, referred to the human capacities of the province in this meeting.
He said: Yazd province has capable human resources and economic elites. However, about 150,000 foreign nationals are also employed in this province.
The Governor of Yazd requested a review of the provincial development pathway.
According to him, over the past years, numerous industries have been established beyond existing capacities in Yazd.
However, this does not mean not supporting active industries. Instead, the productivity of the industrial and economic sectors of the province must be increased.
Annual Extraction of 45 Million Tons of Mineral Material in Yazd
Babaei also referred to the mineral capacities of the province.
He said: Annually, about 45 million tons of mineral material are extracted in Yazd province.
According to his remarks, in 1402 (Iranian calendar year), more than 40 million tons of mineral material were converted into raw production materials and exported.
The average export value of these products was about $95 per ton.
The Governor of Yazd emphasized that development of mineral industries can increase the province’s foreign exchange earnings.
Therefore, companies should move from focusing on raw materials toward producing final products.
Necessity of Completing the Value Chain in Mineral Industries
Babaei also mentioned steel imports in 1402.
He said: About 1.7 million tons of steel were imported to the country that year.
According to him, developing the steel value chain and utilizing idle capacities can provide grounds for domestic production of these products.
The Governor of Yazd considered the province’s textile industry a successful example in completing the value chain.
He added: The textile industry of Yazd has incorporated sewing and production of final products into the chain; this creates higher added value.
Therefore, other industries should also move towards creating the end segments of the chain.
Babaei urged large miners to seriously consider this issue in their development plans.
Yazd’s Focus on Tourism and Cultural Heritage
The Governor of Yazd further referred to the cultural heritage of the province.
He said: Yazd has significant capacities in tourism and cultural heritage.
Accordingly, tourism ranks foremost among the province’s leading projects.
Babaei emphasized broader introduction of Yazd’s cultural heritage.
According to him, some of the province’s valuable buildings have been restored despite financial constraints.
The old bazaar of Yazd is among these projects where reconstruction and beautification programs have been implemented.
Development of Roads, Freeways, and Accommodation Infrastructure
Babaei announced the execution of several infrastructure projects in the province.
He said: Approximately 190 kilometers of the Yazd-Tabas route have been rehabilitated and asphalted.
Furthermore, construction of the Espinas Yazd Hotel has commenced.
The Governor also mentioned the Natanz-Yazd-Sirjan freeway project.
The approval of this project dates back 16 years; however, its official notification was issued after a year and a half of follow-up.
According to Babaei, the freeway’s construction operations will begin soon.
Water Shortage: The Main Obstacle to Industrial Development in Yazd
The Governor of Yazd identified severe water shortage as one of the most critical barriers to the province’s economic development.
He said: Implementing the sea water transfer line can supply part of the water needed by Yazd’s industries.
If this plan is implemented, industries will utilize non-conventional water sources.
As a result, existing resources for drinking water supply will be preserved.
Babaei estimated that with this program, the province’s drinking water needs will be met for the next ten years.
Land Subsidence of 14 Centimeters in Ardakan
The Governor warned about the condition of groundwater resources.
He announced that land subsidence in Ardakan is approximately 14 centimeters per year.
Also, the groundwater reserves of the province decrease by about 240 million cubic meters annually.
According to Babaei, 900 million cubic meters of groundwater are extracted annually for agriculture.
These figures indicate that continuing the current trend could threaten the environmental sustainability of the province.
Increase in Number of Industrial Units in Yazd
Babaei also referred to the rapid growth in the number of industrial units in the province.
He said: The initial industrial capacity of Yazd was about 1,200 units.
However, currently about 3,000 industrial units are active in the province.
Additionally, another 3,000 units are under construction.
The increase in the number of industries has increased the province’s demand for water, electricity, and transportation infrastructure.
Therefore, industrial development must be harmonized with the province’s natural resources and infrastructural capacity.
Completion of Strait Water Transfer Line to Chador Malu
The Governor explained the latest status of the Persian Gulf water transfer plan.
He said: For this project, 150 billion Tomans have been allocated.
In the first phase, the water transfer pipeline from the Persian Gulf to the Chador Malu complex will be completed.
The goal of this plan is to supply part of the water needed by industries and reduce pressure on groundwater resources.
Proposal for Construction of 19,000 MW Solar Power Plants
Babaei referred to renewable energy development programs in the province.
He said: Proposals to invest in the construction of 19,000 megawatts of solar power plants have been submitted to the Yazd governorate.
According to him, out of the 5,000 MW capacity of solar power plants established nationwide, about 500 MW is located in Yazd.
Yazd’s climatic conditions provide favorable capacity for solar power expansion.
Moreover, expansion of these power plants can alleviate some of the energy supply issues for industrial units.
Deputy Minister of Economy: Economic Growth Requires Investment
Mehdi Heidari, Deputy Minister of Economy and Head of the Organization for Investment and Technical and Economic Assistance of Iran, was another speaker at the meeting.
He said: National economic development is not possible without economic growth.
Moreover, the realization of economic growth requires investment.
Heidari stressed that investment depends on proper economic relations with the world.
However, even under current conditions, improvements are possible.
Organizing Projects to Attract Investment
The Deputy Minister of Economy explained the Organization for Investment’s programs.
He said: Over the past year, investment projects have been organized.
These projects are now presented to investors in a standard format.
The investment organization has also attempted to remove obstacles to project implementation.
According to Heidari, eliminating administrative barriers can accelerate the inflow of domestic and foreign investment.
Funding Secured for the Azadegan Project Worth $10 Billion
Heidari mentioned the Azadegan project.
He said: This project required $10 billion in investment, and the required funds have been secured.
The Deputy Minister of Economy also named the Bafq-Sangan railway as one of the country’s most important rail projects.
This route is also linked to the economic zone of Yazd province.
Upon project completion, a significant portion of the mineral freight on the Bafq-Sangan line will be transported by rail.
The annual volume of freight on this route is about 20 million tons.
Proposal to Provide a List of Profitable Projects in Yazd
Heidari asked provincial officials to prepare a list of profitable projects in Yazd.
This list should include projects that require investors for execution.
According to him, the Organization for Investment can utilize foreign investment capacities for these projects.
He added: Despite restrictions due to sanctions, suitable investment proposals have been submitted for Iran.
Issuance of Foreign Investment License for a Solar Power Plant
The Deputy Minister of Economy announced the issuance of a license for a large solar power project in Yazd.
According to him, the foreign investment board has approved the construction of a 1,500 MW solar power plant in the province.
Implementing this project can increase clean electricity generation capacity in Yazd.
In addition, industries in the province can supply part of their energy needs from these power plants.
Deputy Minister of Economy: Copper Now Plays the Role of Gold
Heidari also addressed the global copper market outlook.
He said: The copper industry is one of the sectors with development capacity under current conditions.
According to him, copper now plays the role of gold in global markets.
The price of each ton of copper has reached about $13,500.
The Deputy Minister of Economy estimated the market value of the National Iranian Copper Industries Company at approximately 2,000 trillion Rials.
He also emphasized the position of the “FEMLI” ticker symbol in the capital market.
Copper: A Sector with Suitable Foreign Exchange Returns
Heidari described the copper industry as having good foreign exchange returns.
He said: Compared to many activities, this industry has lower vulnerability to sanctions.
According to him, iron ore exports are priced around $100 per ton.
In contrast, the export value of each ton of copper can reach about $13,500.
This difference highlights the importance of developing the copper value chain.
Therefore, increasing exploration, extraction, and processing of copper must be included in the country’s economic plans.
Proposal to Issue Copper Financial Certificates
The Deputy Minister of Economy considered upstream oil, gas, and mining industries important for the country’s economy.
He said: The first step should be to develop mineral exploration operations.
Afterward, added value creation and completing the production chain are essential.
Heidari proposed issuing copper forward contracts or copper foreign currency bonds in the capital market.
These instruments can provide funding for exploration and mining operations in copper mines.
Deputy Minister of Industry, Mine and Trade: Trade, the Axis of Yazd Province Development
Mohammad Ali Dehghan Dehnavi, Deputy Minister of Industry, Mine, and Trade and Head of the Iran Trade Development Organization, also spoke at the meeting.
He said: Trade can be one of the main axes of Yazd province’s development.
Yazd has considerable credibility in industrial production.
Also, economic activists of the province hold significant credibility in domestic and international markets.
Geographical Location: Yazd’s Commercial Advantage
Dehghan Dehnavi considered Yazd’s geographical position another economic advantage.
Yazd is located in the country’s center.
Therefore, it has suitable access to southern ports, northern ports, and the capital.
The Head of the Trade Development Organization emphasized that Yazd’s industrial and commercial development must comply with global standards.
Moreover, economic actors should have a long-term perspective toward international markets.
This approach can make introducing the province’s commercial opportunities easier.
Invitation to Yazd Activists to Engage in the African Market
Dehghan Dehnavi announced that the 4th Iran-Africa Commercial Summit will be held.
This summit will coincide with the Iran Expo exhibition.
He described the African continent as a land of economic opportunities.
The Head of the Trade Development Organization asked Yazd’s economic activists to have a stronger presence in African markets.
According to him, Yazd’s industrial and mineral capacities can facilitate export development to Africa.
Formation of an Import-Export Barter Committee
The Deputy Minister of Industry, Mine, and Trade announced the formation of a barter committee.
This committee operates with representatives from the Ministry of Industry, Mine and Trade, the Ministry of Economy, and the Central Bank.
Its responsibility is to review requests and issue barter import-export permits.
Under normal circumstances, copper, steel, and petrochemical exporters must offer their export currency in the exchange center.
Therefore, they cannot directly use export currency for importing goods.
Possibility of Importing Raw Materials Using Export Currency
According to a new resolution, some exporters can apply for barter.
This request must relate to the import of production raw materials.
Then, the barter committee reviews the proposal’s impact on export development.
If confirmed by the committee, a barter permit will be issued.
This mechanism can facilitate the supply of raw materials for export-oriented industries.
Also, some problems caused by currency restrictions will be alleviated.
Head of Productivity Organization: Productivity Compensates Part of Resource Shortages
Mohammad Saleh Ovlia, head of the National Productivity Organization, spoke at the meeting’s closing section.
He said: In past years, many families migrated to Yazd for employment.
These families eventually settled in the province.
According to Ovlia, the existence of elite human resources is one of the main reasons for Yazd’s development.
Necessity to Strengthen Transport and Knowledge-Based Companies
The Head of the National Productivity Organization emphasized strengthening the province’s transportation infrastructure.
He said: The construction of freeways can increase traffic and tourist arrivals in Yazd.
Therefore, expanding the transport network should be prioritized.
Ovlia also spoke about the role of knowledge-based companies.
According to him, expanding these companies enables retention of elites in the province.
Productivity: A Way to Compensate for Capital Shortages
Ovlia described Yazd’s people as renowned for productivity and appropriate resource utilization.
He stressed this trait should be reinforced in the business environment.
Increasing productivity can partly compensate for companies’ capital shortages.
Also, enterprises can reduce costs by better utilizing existing resources.
Consequently, productivity is not merely a managerial concept but can become a major tool for the province’s economic development.
Summary
The meeting addressing Yazd’s economic activists’ problems focused on several main axes.
Completing the value chain, developing investment, increasing productivity, and strengthening trade were among the key topics.
Moreover, water shortage, land subsidence, and energy supply for industries were addressed.
Officials emphasized the development of solar energy and sea water transfer to reduce pressure on groundwater resources.
In the mining sector, enhancing exploration, copper processing, and utilizing new financial instruments were proposed.
Ultimately, participants stressed that Yazd’s future development must be aligned with the province’s water, energy, environmental, and human resource capacities.