Press Digest

Date: 21 August 2016 - 20:59

News ID: ۳۰۳۱۰

Oil Contract
KAYHAN: Parliament is busy reviewing an oil bill that if not done properly would send us back to the times when the oil industry was not nationalised. It was a time when British and American companies were in full control of the Iranian oil industry. That says why what the lawmakers are going to do with this new bill will somehow also be a tool to measure their partisanship and allegiance to the establishment. This is the least people expect from their representatives. They shouldn't endorse what is not in the best interest of the country.

Technology Transfer
IRAN: Iranian oil industry needs new technology transfer and investment. In the absence of foreign investment, our neighbours will have the upper hand in extracting oil from joint fields, hence making more money than us. This kind of advantage also leads to some kind of strategic advantage against us. Despite having huge energy reserves we have been unable to attract foreign direct investment. We need new technology and capital that no longer exist within our borders.

Reformist Threat
JAVAN: Some reformist currents have threatened the president in his own house which is not cool at all. They claim Rouhani cannot win the next presidential race without the support of reformers. They seek to belittle the president in order to get incentives from his administration. Rouhani has always stood his ground and responded harshly to any criticism from conservatives. We are yet to see his response to this latest threat.

Purchasing Power
TASNIM: Consumer market is in recession because people have lost their purchasing power. At a time the housing market is in recession other sectors will have no chance of recovery. They all depend on the housing sector to stay in business. To make matters worse, illegal imports of consumer goods has also affected the production sector. These products are cheaper than their counterparts which makes it even harder for domestic producers to compete. Once confiscated, illegal goods should be destroyed. That's the only way the government could show its support for domestic producers.