Iran Changes Challenges To Opportunities : VP

Sanandaj, Feb 21, IRNA – Although Islamic Republic has been the target of sanctions during the past three decades, Iran changed challenges including the sanctions to opportunity, First Vice President Mohammad Reza Rahimi said on Monday. He made the remarks in a visit to a local dam in Kurdistan Province. “Iran ranks fifth in construction of dams in the world; Iran progress in various fields including the construction of dams is due to its expert’s efforts and their commitment to build their country,” Rahimi added. Rahimi noted that the country's Ministry of Energy is one of the most technical ones in the world. “Iran exports electricity to all neighboring countries and it is planned to export electricity to Africa and Far Eastern countries,” he continued. According to official reports, 95 dams are currently under construction inside Iran and such countries as Sri Lanka, Syria, and Tajikistan as well as African states have entered either dam construction or consultation projects with Tehran. One of Iran's most important international projects will see the construction of a dlrs200m hydroelectric dam in Nicaragua. While the construction of the Nicaraguan dam is set to begin in 2011, the project has caused serious concern in the United States as it signifies the increase of Iran's foothold in Latin American markets. The Iranian Energy Ministry is reportedly assessing whether to begin nearly 170 additional dam construction projects./end