TEHRAN June 30(Shana)--Iran�s minister of industry, mine and trade says more than 8,000 industrial projects have been launched under the administration of President Hassan Rouhani.

"The administration is pursuing growth and expansion of the country's industrial sector and has so far made invaluable progress in this respect," said Mohammad Reza Nematzadeh during a Tuesday industrial conference here in Tehran.

"We have witnessed the return of resources and capitals to the industrial and mine sectors under the administration of Prudence and Hope," he said, adding, "Finalization of 8,000 industrial projects during the past 22 months is an indication of the positive progress in the country."

The minister further called on expansion of small and medium industrial units across the country for boosting production and exports.

By SHANA