Obstacles Faced by Rouhani's Government in Attracting Investment from Iranians Abroad

Hassan Rouhani, continuing his trip to New York, met on Saturday with the Secretary-General of the United Nations and several other world leaders. The President of Iran also met with Iranian elites and entrepreneurs residing in the United States on Saturday evening local time, urging them to invest in Iran. After his meeting with Ban Ki-moon, the UN Secretary-General, and Donald Tusk, the President of the European Council, Rouhani discussed and met with Iranian elites and entrepreneurs in New York. In this meeting, Rouhani stated that there needs to be planning for better utilization of the space created after the lifting of sanctions, and that Iranians living abroad should enter the field to invest and participate in projects sooner than others. The President of the Islamic Republic of Iran pointed out that there are $200 billion projects in the energy sector and $70 billion in the petrochemical sector ready for investment, mentioning the need for transformation and investment in water, environment, and transportation, and called on Iranians abroad to take the lead in investing in these areas. Rouhani described Iran as an energy hub and a center of stability in the region, highlighting the educated youth and capable human resources that can excel in many fields. He addressed the Iranian elites and entrepreneurs in the U.S., stating that to achieve the acceptable annual economic growth for Iran, $150 billion in investment is needed, which should also include foreign investment. Rouhani said the government is ready to welcome Iranians abroad for investment and efforts towards the growth and development of Iran. Reza Alijani, a political analyst residing in Paris, told Radio Farda that all Iranian presidents have called for investment from Iranians abroad, but security concerns have always hindered such investments. Sara Bazbandi, an economic expert and analyst residing in London, also mentioned to Radio Farda that many economic infrastructures still pose obstacles to investment in Iran, whether from Iranians abroad or foreign investors. However, Bazbandi believes that Iran, unlike many countries in the region, has prerequisites and conditions that are very attractive for investors, including educated and capable human resources. On Saturday, Rouhani also spoke at the UN Sustainable Development Summit, addressing global environmental issues, drought, and water scarcity in West Asia, stating that his government, as an environmental government, sets its policies based on a balanced approach between economic development and environmental protection. The President of Iran is scheduled to speak at the UN General Assembly on Tuesday.