Iran Aims to Become Regional Digital Economy Hub

According to a press release from the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology's Public Relations Center, at a ceremony commemorating World Telecommunication and Information Society Day, Minister Hashemi addressed attendees, including the President, at the event held at the Iranian Space Research Center. He emphasized the historical and fundamental significance of communication in human life, stating, "Since the dawn of humanity, communication has played a key role in shaping human relations. Today, leveraging new technologies, we stand on the cusp of a new era of human development."

Referencing the Ministry's central theme under the Fourteenth Administration, "Sustainable Communication, Smart Living," Dr. Hashemi affirmed, "Those who believe in the development of communication believe in human development. With this perspective, and with the unwavering support of the President, we are pursuing the development of communication as the main pillar of digital transformation."

Minister Hashemi identified key priorities for the Ministry, starting with the expansion and quality improvement of communication infrastructure. He acknowledged past underinvestment and stressed the necessity of attracting capital, stating, "If our goal is to achieve a 10 percent share of the digital economy in the gross domestic product, approximately $25 to $30 billion of investment is required. However, last year, the total investment of operators was less than two billion dollars." He added that the Ministry is designing mechanisms to attract investment and create effective incentives for the private sector.

He further emphasized the Ministry's commitment to the development of 5G mobile technology and the expansion of the fiber optic network. "Fortunately, positive international interactions have begun. We recently visited China, and they welcomed the expansion of cooperation, expressing their readiness to develop technologies," the Minister stated.

Dr. Hashemi highlighted "Technology Diplomacy" as another crucial initiative for the Ministry under the current administration. "We believe that domestic production has reached a level of maturity where it can be offered in global markets. The trip to Latin America was undertaken to open this path, and we have taken effective steps in cooperation with countries such as Venezuela," he said.

The Minister noted a 50 percent increase in data transit traffic through the country in the past four months. "Our goal is to transform Iran into the connection hub of the regional 'digital economy' ecosystem, and this path will continue through constructive interaction with neighboring countries."

He also emphasized the importance of skilled workforce development as a cornerstone of the digital economy, announcing a Ministry initiative to provide digital skills training to 500,000 individuals in collaboration with the Technical and Vocational Training Organization and the private sector.

Regarding space development, Minister Hashemi confirmed the continued rapid expansion of the country's space industry. "This year, we will witness significant events such as the commissioning of the Chabahar launch site and the Salmas and Chenaran ground stations," he announced.

He underscored the necessity of data-driven governance. "Today, governance without data is meaningless. It leads us to trial-and-error decision-making, which is essentially unacceptable in this era. Accordingly, with the emphasis and guidance of the President, we are pursuing the 'G-NAF' project and land management with determination, and positive developments are taking place in this area. We also have positive and constructive interactions with government agencies and the judiciary, the effects and results of which we will see in the near future."

Minister Hashemi addressed the importance of local content production. "With the finalization of the content revenue sharing plan in partnership with operators, a 'Content Production Movement' will soon begin in the country – a movement that can drive Iran's 'digital economy.'"

In closing, Minister Hashemi stated, "We in the Ministry of Communications believe in this: the statistics provided to the public must be consistent with the realities on the ground, without any omissions. We hope that, relying on the capacity of our youth and global interactions, we will take steps towards building a powerful and progressive Iran."