Title: Government Announces Comprehensive Economic Support Package, Foresees Positive Outcomes
In a televised address, Government Spokeswoman Fatemeh Mahagerani outlined a series of new governmental measures and working groups established to bolster the national economy, with a central focus on preserving employment in micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs).
Prioritizing Employment and Economic Stability
Spokeswoman Mahagerani emphasized that the government’s primary concern is safeguarding jobs. “Even with subsistence aid,” she stated, “if we cannot take steps to preserve employment, such assistance will not have the necessary efficacy.” She clarified that alongside other matters, the country’s main priority is concentrating on maintaining employment within these vital business sectors.
Specialized Working Groups Formed for Key Sectors
To address critical economic challenges, the government has formed several high-level committees. These include:
- An Energy Taskforce, headed by the Minister of Energy, to resolve energy shortages for industries and minimize disruptions to their gas supply.
- A Taxation Taskforce to prevent unfair treatment of producers, especially considering recent market stagnation. This group operates under the Minister of Economy and the Head of the National Tax Administration.
- A Liquidity Taskforce to pursue solutions for financial fluidity issues.
- A Foreign Currency Taskforce within the Central Bank, which has recently made “positive decisions” based on consultations with economic activists and the President.
Mahagerani reiterated the government’s commitment to formally recognizing the role of the private sector, with these taskforces regularly reporting their progress directly to the President.
New Welfare Card and Enhanced Loan Facilities Activated
A significant announcement was the full activation of the “Gav” (Step) bond-linked welfare card. The card’s credit limit has been increased, and it is now available at several major banks. These cards, connected to large retail chains, are intended to help citizens purchase durable goods and home appliances, a move expected to stimulate private sector business.
Furthermore, the government has substantially raised the ceiling for various loans to support individuals and businesses:
- Individual loans up to 200 million Tomans with a 60-month repayment.
- Individual loans for specific occupational categories up to 350 million Tomans.
- Employer loans of up to 5 billion Tomans per employed individual.
- Loans for knowledge-based and technology companies up to 900 million Tomans.
- Last year, $395 million in allocated currency was provided to industries.
Path to Economic Prosperity
In her concluding remarks, the Spokeswoman affirmed that the Ministry of Economy is pursuing robust programs to foster economic flourishing. She highlighted the government’s role in navigating challenges and ensuring that pathways remain open for the people and economic activists to thrive.