Tehran, Oct 18, IRNA � The Iranian economy had improved from a growth rate of minus 5.8 percent last calendar year to plus 4.6 percent this year.
Following the disclosure of the figure by the government many criticisms were voiced by members of parliament and economic activists with some calling the figure 'fictional.'
However, Vice-President for Planning and Strategic Supervision shed some light on the details of the 4.6% growth rate. He said in petrochemical sector in the first four months of the calendar year production increased by 4.4% in comparison to the last year while sales increased by 4.2%, value added by 18%, exports by 8% and value of exports by 4%.

In the agriculture sector, Mohammad Baqer Nobakht further remarked, in the first quarter of the current year the value of products increased by 6.8% whereas the figure for the last year was 3.3%

Stressing that the major economic growth rate was in the oil sector, Nobakhst said in the first quarter of the last year economic growth rate in the oil sector was minus 21.9% while in the same period this year the figure increased to plus 6.1%.

The vice-president said in the industry, mines and trade sector economic growth rate increased from minus 7% to plus 8.1% and in the services sector from minus 7.9% to plus 7.3%.

Meanwhile, Saeed Leilaz, an economist, termed the economic growth rate of 4.6% under the status quo logical.

Referring to the criticisms made over the 4.6% economic growth rate, Leilaz said such criticisms are mainly politically motivated, adding that the criticisms were made as the growth rate was beyond expectation.

He said a suitable growth rate is expected for the year 1394 (2015-2016) due to the resumption of activities of the vacant capacities in the country.

By IRNA

 

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