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Economy
A considerable amount of oil and gas deposits are Iran's major sources of income, and are among the world’s
largest. The agricultural sector is significant for the numbers
employed, even though output has been reduced by drought and migration of
countryside labour to the cities. Both subsistence crops, principally
wheat, barley and sugar, and cash crops are grown. The manufacturing
sector, which accounts for about 1 6th of total output, produces
textiles, food processing and transport equipment. Aside from hydrocarbons,
Iran also has practical deposits of magnesium ores, coal and gypsum.
Government policy has
sought to promote the agricultural and light industry to
lessen the economy’s dependency on oil and increase the influence
of the private sector, about 80% of economic activity is state
controlled. Currently, the economy is performing quite steadily,
yearly growth is around 5% and inflation is 12% to 15%.
As in other areas, economic strategy
is dominated by fundamental difference of approach between the elected
government and the ruling clergy. On the trade front, Iran has developed
significant new links with the newly self-governing states of central
Asia including Turkey and China but, more importantly, existing
trade with traditional partners in Europe, Japan and the Middle
East have been restored. Bilateral trade with the United States
remains, unsurprisingly, at a low level.
Business
Most Iranian business people speak English and are polite
and conservative in manner and expect a suitable reaction
from those that visited. Exchanging calling cards is generally restricted to senior people. Punctuality is
usual for business meetings and appointments should be made. Business gifts are fairly
delightful.
Office hours: Saturday
to Wednesday 8.00 am to 4.00 pm and Thursday 9.00 am to 12.00 pm (some
are close all day).
Commercial Information
The following associations can offer advice:
Export Promotion Centre
Address: PO Box 1148, Tadjrish, Dr Chamran Highway, Tehran
Telephone: (21) 21911
Facsimile: (21) 204 2858 or 204 5733
Website address: www.iran-export.com
Iranian Trade Association
Address: PO Box 927743, San Diego, California 92192, USA
Telephone: (619) 368 6790
Email address: info@iraniantrade.org
Website address: www.iraniantrade.org
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