World Leaders Impressed by Iran’s Handling of COVID-19, Economy: President Rouhani

Addressing a Tuesday meeting held to inaugurate three major projects carried out by the Industry Ministry, President Rouhani said his administration launched an initiative after the outbreak of the novel coronavirus to protect the lives of people and ensure continued economic activities at the same time in accordance with the health protocols. The president said at least three world leaders have lauded Iran’s performance as a model of simultaneous fight against COVID-19 and resumption of economic activities. While the outbreak of the coronavirus has reduced the global production of steel by 6 percent in the first four months of the current Iranian year (began on March 20), Iran’s steel output has increased by 10% in the same period, the president noted. He said Iran’s wise decision to keep businesses and production plants open after the coronavirus outbreak angered the enemies, who wanted to see the country plunge into crisis. The president also said that Iran continues to renovate its transportation fleet in spite of the sanctions, taking a swipe at the US president for violating the 2015 nuclear deal and betraying the world and the Iranian and American nations. In comments on Sunday, Rouhani said while the coronavirus pandemic has slashed major economies in the world by up to 20 percent, Iran’s economy has contracted only by 3 percent. Rouhani has repeatedly said that his administration is engaged in a battle on two fronts at the same time, dealing with the cruel foreign sanctions and addressing the coronavirus and its economic consequences. The president said in June that the main priority in the administration’s economic plans is to control prices and supply the basic means of life. Source: Tasnim News Agency