Ali Akbar Labbafi, a high-ranking official of the Ministry of Cooperatives, Labour and Social Welfare, said on Tuesday that Iranian government is intended to create more than 1 million job opportunities by the end of 2013. Currently, unemployment rate stands at around 25% in Iran.
“Recently, we have held several meetings in order to find the best solutions for reducing Iran’s high unemployment rate. According to approved plans, Iranian government will create up to 1.1 million jobs by the end of this year. This practice will lower Iran’s unemployment rate by 1%.” Ali Akbar Labbafi informed reporters.
He went on to say that different governmental organizations will be involved in this project. “Iranian government will allocate the necessary budgets to this national project. Base on fifth development plan, Iranian government is free to set special budget for such projects. More information about the mentioned budgets will be announced in near future.” Labbafi added and declined to reveal the exact number of budget set for this project.
“At this time, government is determined in supporting small and medium businesses. According to our studies, this kind of businesses can create a lot of jobs for Iranians, in case they receive enough support from local government.” Ali Akbar Labbafi added.
In recent years, economists have criticized the policies of Iranian government for creating job opportunities. Studies prove that unemployment rate has been increased significantly in compare to eight years ago when Mahmoud Ahmadinejad was elected has the new president of Islamic Republic.