Iran, Decisive Player In Mideast: Official

Tehran, Sept 27, IRNA – Deputy Minister of Industry, Mine and Trade Mehdi Karbasian said Iran is a decisive player in the Middle East developments. Addressing a local gathering here on Saturday, he said Iran owed its present influential status to its powerful position in the region. He stressed the importance of implementing the latest scientific and technological achievements in introducing Iran's mighty situation to the world and highlighted the key role of skilled and motivated human resources in achieving the goal. He said the Iranian nation has already proven during the Sacred Defense years that it is capable of accomplishing such a goal. Karbasian, who is also the managing director of the Iranian Mines and Mining Industries Development and Renovation Organization (IMIDRO), said the company has new steel projects to share with foreign and domestic companies this year. He further noted that during the past Iranian year (ended March 20), he revived more than 30 semi-finished projects. The deputy minister also said that Iran is collaborating with Kazakhstan in Bauxite, iron ore and zinc mines. According to the official, a European company too has voiced interest in conducting ventures in Iran's mines sector./end