The Head of the Social Commission of the Iranian Parliament announced that the Parliament will support projects such as TASICO’s investment plan in Sistan and Baluchestan and the construction of the Taftan Gold Plant, as both the government and the Parliament—along with the Minister of Cooperatives, Labour and Social Welfare—are focused on deprivation alleviation and investment in regions such as this province.
According to the Public Relations Department of Sadr Tamin Investment Company (TASICO), Dr. Ali Babai Karnameh, Head of the Majles Social Commission, stated during a visit to the Taftan Gold Plant: “One of the policies of the Islamic Republic of Iran is deprivation alleviation and investment in various sectors, especially in provinces such as Sistan and Baluchestan, which deserve such investment.”
He added: “Shasta and TASICO have implemented this approach well by utilizing regional capacities. They have also carried out their social responsibility obligations with a focus on increasing labor productivity and creating sustainable employment in the region.”
While thanking TASICO’s managers, the Head of the Social Commission emphasized that greater support from the Parliament and the government is required for the development of the Taftan Gold Plant. In this regard, it was decided that within a framework of 15 items related to the missions of the Ministry of Cooperatives, Labour and Social Welfare, and through the Social Commission, the issues, needs, and weaknesses of the Taftan Gold project would be reviewed in order to address many of the current challenges facing this complex.
Referring to the fact that the Parliament stands alongside the government, the representative of Sari in the Iranian parliament stated: “Certainly, the President shares this perspective and will support such projects that involve investment in these regions. Government ministers, especially the Minister of Cooperatives, Labour and Social Welfare, also hold this view.”
Babai Karnameh continued: “Although only about seven months have passed since the Taftan Gold Plant began operations, from the perspective of industrial and enterprise performance indicators, it is performing better than many factories with 10, 15, or even more years of experience. This demonstrates that attention has been paid to scientific foundations, the capabilities of local people, and existing capacities. Prioritizing social responsibility with an educational approach was a very subtle and important point that I realized today. Attention to health, hygiene, education, and ultimately the importance of engagement with the local community are also highly significant, and these have been given special consideration throughout the implementation process and construction of this plant.”
He further stated: “We will certainly categorize and follow up on the weaknesses and problems that exist in this region. The concerns and expectations that local people have from the central government must be addressed, especially in light of the recent authorities delegated by the President and the Speaker of Parliament to border province governors. Special attention must be paid to the trade balance, increasing exports, and supporting domestic production, particularly in these provinces. This is the duty of representatives, and we will fully support domestic production and the country’s technical and engineering capabilities.”
The Head of the Social Commission of the Iranian Parliament concluded: “Economic enterprises that invest in underprivileged regions will certainly receive greater attention from the Parliament and the government. We will use all available capacities, such as taxation, social security, and others, to support them. In the Parliament, we have even identified the shortcomings of the Seventh Development Plan in Article 45 and will amend them on November 22, as underprivileged regions require stronger backing and support.”