Statements on Meeting with the President and Members of the Government on the Occasion of Government Week

In the Name of God, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful

One of the good and, God willing, auspicious events is the coincidence of this meeting with the anniversary of the birth of Imam Ali al-Ridha (peace be upon him). We hope, God willing, that we all benefit from the blessings of that pure and exalted soul. One of the greatest honors of our country and one of our blessings is the existence of that holy shrine. The more we can strive to honor that lofty position and direct hearts towards it, certainly it will be to our spiritual benefit and to the benefit of our country. Now, suppose Mr. Akhundi (the Minister of Roads and Urban Development) can think about the issue of the road there and the high-speed train and similar matters, so that people can travel with less distance; these are among the things that, God willing, can be a source of blessing for the government.

We honor the memory of our dear martyrs, Martyr Rajai and Martyr Bahonar. Well, Government Week has been held for many years; the tradition is that it provides an opportunity for the hardworking officials of the governments to report their efforts, their successes, their determination for the coming year or the coming years; and they are appreciated, and the work that has been done is acknowledged by the officials and the people, and occasionally a reminder is given or, for example, a shortcoming is addressed; Government Week is for this purpose. However, the noteworthy point is that Government Week is considered a celebration for the government; that is, it is the annual return of a specific occasion - which is what a celebration means - and a time for expressing and speaking and such activities.

The occasion set for this week is one of the bitterest memorials of the country; that is, the martyrdom of two prominent figures like Martyr Bahonar and Martyr Rajai. Now, this year coincidentally coincided with the Week of Dignity, but normally, this week reminds us of the tragedy of the passing of these two great men. My impression is that the divine wisdom that flowed into the hearts and tongues of the officials and this event occurred and this occasion was set at this time is so that Martyr Rajai and Martyr Bahonar do not fade from memory and serve as two benchmarks, as two standards before our eyes. Well, the significance of these two individuals cannot be said to be due to their managerial strength or, for example, their capabilities and innovations; because the responsibility of these two dear ones did not last long; the time of the late Bahonar was very short, and the late Rajai was also for a few months - about a year, for example. Their significance is due to their behavioral and personal and ethical characteristics; we must always keep this in mind.

Well, time changes; the flow of various cultures and values comes and goes - this is the nature of the times - transformations occur in minds and thoughts, but there are stable principles that must always be considered. For us officials in the sacred Islamic Republic system, these stable principles can be sought and found in the character of these two dear and honorable men. Well, we were particularly familiar with them, especially with the late Bahonar, for many years, and with the late Rajai in the same way; from before the revolution to the time of their responsibilities and in the parliament and outside the parliament; they truly had characteristics that we must not forget. In my opinion, their faith in this path, in these goals, the goals that Imam Khomeini (may his soul be sanctified) outlined and the Islamic Republic embodies those goals, is a very important benchmark; their sincerity; the spirit of service that existed in them, which truly did not recognize day or night and worked for service.

The spirit of being close to the people and interacting with the people, sitting close to the people’s conversations; opening pathways - well, we have certain limitations due to our responsibilities - that there should be a passageway for contact with the essence of people’s lives. I have told the President several times that these provincial trips are very good; this is one of those very positive actions, and I have always advised previous governments the same; one of the ways is this; going to the homes of the people, visiting the homes of the martyrs - which, thank God, this work has somewhat become common and is a good action - is a way for various contacts with the people; these are very important. These actions maintain and preserve the spirit of being close to the people and understanding the people. When this is absent, a person becomes oblivious to the state of society and always looks at the generalities; like someone who is flying over a city in an airplane; yes, a person sees the generality of the city better than someone who is down below, but [the fact is] what is happening inside these alleys, what is happening inside these streets, what is happening inside the houses, what is happening in the shops, who the visitors are, these are understood by someone who walks through these alleys; now, as much as is possible; being close to the people is very important.

For themselves, they did not fill their pockets from the position they held; this is one of the important things. It should not be that we think now that we have a responsibility, we use it as a means to secure the future; just as many officials in various countries of the world do, and they use it as a means to be members of the board of directors of a certain company in the future, to have shares in a sensitive financial center. Adherence to the principles of the revolution and such; these were the characteristics of these two personalities; we must keep these in mind and align ourselves with them.

One of the characteristics of the behavior of officials is that it creates culture in society; that is, how we behave, how we speak, how we live, with whom we associate, with whom we cut [relations]. This creates culture in society. Therefore, the work you are doing, the service you are providing - in whatever sector it is - if, as is expected and, thank God, to a large extent has been achieved in many sectors, when it is accompanied by sincerity, with abundant work, with compassion, in addition to the effect that this work has in the external reality, it leaves a long-term effect, and that is this culture-building. The people look at us, they look at you; our behaviors, our manners shape the public culture of the people. Therefore, we honor the memory of these two good and dear and fortunate brothers and hope, God willing, that we can all move along this path.

I find it necessary to thank and appreciate the honorable members of the government, especially the honorable President for the efforts they are making. Today’s reports were good reports, and it is very appropriate that these reports be reflected, so that the people hear from you. We request Mr. Sarafraz to broadcast these reports with the voices of the gentlemen, meaning that the people should hear about the work done by Mr. Nemat-Zadeh, Mr. Zangeneh, Mr. Chitchian, and the other brothers. This is very good; it means that the people should be assured that the brothers are working, they are making efforts, everyone is busy.

Well, positive actions have also been taken, but it must always be in the minds of all of us that we should express what when the people look at the reality of their lives, they confirm it, meaning they see that it is really like this. When Dr. Hashemi started this health plan, I intentionally asked some people; from acquaintances and those who are from the general public - relatives, friends, sometimes in travel to Mashhad, in other places - I saw that the people felt this, meaning they said yes, we went to the hospital and it was like this; well, this is very good. Some of the actions are beyond the reach of the people, and the secondary effects of these will reach them, but some actions are within the reach of the people; such things should be raised. What I am saying now is that relative calm and relative stability in the economic situation is noticeable; everyone reports this, and we also receive reports from various places that say this exists. This is one of the advantages that sharp fluctuations have been controlled and do not exist in the economic arena, which, well, this must be monitored to remain preserved.

The issue of reducing inflation is very good. Of course, we are not satisfied with the current level of inflation, meaning double-digit inflation. Now, the President mentioned that inflation has reached thirteen and a little, for example - which is the annual inflation, of course, is the criterion; point-to-point inflation is not something significant, it is not important; the main thing is this annual inflation - well, there are very few countries in the world that have double-digit inflation, and we are among the countries that have double-digit inflation. We must reach inflation below ten; that is, this should be the endeavor; we must strive to reach this. Now, sometimes due to external factors - factors beyond control and sometimes internal factors - inflation rises, well, it is clear that this is not permanent, and those high inflation rates have never persisted; these will eventually be brought down in some way, and thank God, you have been able to do it; but do not be satisfied with this level; bring inflation [down] further. But well, it is good. The fact that it has now reached thirteen or fourteen is a big step.

The effort being made to exit the recession - I will, of course, say something about the recession now; in private discussions, I have shared some points with the President - that you are finally striving to exit the recession, this is very important, because the issue of recession is an issue that can affect both inflation and employment; it is an important matter, the issue of recession in the country. Good efforts are being made.

The issue of health is one of the good points. The scientific work being done in the scientific vice-presidency is valuable work. The issue of irrigating the lands, which the honorable first vice-president has also been active in this matter, and Khuzestan, Ilam, and Zabol and other places, it seems you [went]. (You didn’t go to Zabol? Yes, then you must go to Zabol; it was good that we mentioned it.) These are certainly good works that have been done.

The nuclear issue is the same. Now, we have talked a lot about the nuclear issue until now, many things have been said and heard, and what is important is that the gentlemen were able to conclude these negotiations, because after all, dragging out the negotiations was an issue, and they were able to wrap this issue up; this itself is a very important task. Now, God willing, if there is any problem on the sidelines, it will be resolved with your wisdom and that of others who are responsible. In any case, we thank all the brothers and sisters who are busy working.

One point I have in mind regarding the nuclear issue and the conclusion of the nuclear issue is one of my concerns, one of my worries, and that is that we pay attention to the goals that the enemies of the Islamic Republic explicitly harbor in their minds and the actions they want to take. It is certain that the enmity of the enemies of the Islamic Republic has not diminished since the beginning of the revolution; yes, in some places, enmities and acts of enmity are controlled - there is no doubt about that - but this does not mean that enmities have decreased. Our belief is that the enmity of the illegitimate and usurping Zionist regime or the government of the United States of America towards us has not diminished at all; of course, each for a different reason; the Zionist regime has enmity towards us for one reason, the Americans for another reason, but they are equally hostile to us, they are also our enemies, and this enmity has not diminished; the same actions they took from the first day of the revolution, they are still doing today; but well, the methods of their actions have evolved, their methods have transformed; they have advanced; at one time they acted in one way, they struck blows, now they do so with different tools, with different means; this must not be overlooked. This must be absolutely considered by all various officials - it is not just specific to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Dr. Zarif; various agencies, economic agencies, cultural agencies - to pay attention that we do not fall into the trap of the enemy's design and do not play into their hands; that the decisions we make, whether in the field of politics, economics, trade, or culture, do not assist the enemy's predetermined package that they have for themselves. We can understand their intentions from their words, their writings, and their various statements; that is, what I am saying about enmity is not news from the unseen, nor is it a dream or delusion; no, these are realities that are before our eyes. Their statements may be different, but the external realities - what is tangible and palpable to us - indicate that enmity and the indicators of enmity exist; but with its own specific methods. Now, what should we do in the face of this enmity is another discussion [but] do not forget the enmity; my point is this. When you do not forget that there is a front in front of you, that they are sitting behind the trenches, their weapons are ready, then you act accordingly; at one time you look and see that it is necessary to shoot [or] it is necessary to remain silent [or] it is necessary to go into the trench [or] it is necessary to come out of the trench; those are subsequent discussions; the main thing is that we do not forget that there is a front in front of us - the enemy front - that is bent on enmity [against us]. Of course, this address is not only to government officials; all segments of the people, especially the devoted elements of the revolution and those who are ready to serve the revolution, must pay attention to this; however, the responsibility of the statesmen in this regard is naturally greater than that of other loyalists to the revolution.

In my opinion, what must be done immediately is to have clarity in adopting revolutionary positions; that is, we should not be shy. We must clearly state revolutionary positions, the principles of Imam Khomeini (may his soul be sanctified), without embarrassment, without shyness, without fear, and know that "And to Allah belong the soldiers of the heavens and the earth, and Allah is Exalted in Might and Wise." (4) All the forces of the world and the laws of the world are divine soldiers; we can place those divine soldiers behind us and bring them to our aid with trust in God, by following the path of God.

And be vigilant; I mentioned a few days ago in a discussion that they are seeking infiltration, they are seeking to penetrate; this infiltration can occur from various places; be careful. At one point, a person hears that, for example, a certain organization has come to guide a part of our cultural complex - for example, suppose kindergartens - in a specific way; a person understands this, then when they get closer, they see that it is a dangerous and significant action [but] a person has not paid attention; this is infiltration; in various fields; in economic fields, in movements, in all agencies; one is this issue of clarity.

Another is to maintain this unity that fortunately exists among the people. When we say unity, it should not immediately come to mind that now all individuals in society are, for example, friendly with each other; no, the movement is a public movement. Suppose in the February 22nd rally, when you look, everyone is moving in one direction; are they all the same? Are they all from one faction? Are they all from one group? No, but the direction is one; we must appreciate and honor this unified direction and give it importance. There should be no marginalization; some marginalizations are divisive; that is, they disrupt this unity of direction; we must be careful about this.

I have noted a few points as priorities for this period that I will mention; of course, fortunately, in today’s reports from the gentlemen, there were points that pertain to the directions I have noted here, but I emphasize; some of these words are repetitive, but repetition is not a flaw; in some cases, a person can repeat as much as they want without issue. You see in the Quran that the story of Moses is repeated several times. This repetition is not a flaw; it is a reminder that brings our responsibilities to our minds and strengthens our motivations.

One issue is maintaining scientific momentum. Well, the scientific rank has been preserved; that is, it has not declined. We are still at the fifteenth or sixteenth rank - which is a very high and good rank; however, the momentum has declined. I have told the university friends and I will say that we must not let scientific momentum decrease in the second decade of the outlook - we have now entered the second decade of the outlook. If we continue at this momentum, our scientific rank will certainly gain even more value and importance; that is, we may rank below the tenth; this is a very important issue in my opinion. Well, science is the main infrastructure of the country. In all the matters that you gentlemen have mentioned, if we incorporate the element of science into industry, agriculture, oil, energy, health and treatment, and other sectors, the situation will change completely; a leap will occur; we must not underestimate this; I believe this. I believe that in the field of science and research, whatever we spend is an investment; that is, we should not be afraid of spending. There are places where expenses do not go to waste; one of them is right here. Whatever we spend, we have invested for the future, and this is the best thing we can do with our resources, our money, and our assets.

Then, one fundamental point that existed in this first decade - which fortunately according to global statistics, we started to make scientific progress and reached this point - is that scientific movement became a discourse; that is, the work did not remain confined to a few government agencies; it became a public discourse. I have noticed in the meetings I have had with university groups in recent years, especially, that they come and speak - whether they are professors or students - and as a demand from me, they express the same things that we raised in university gatherings several years ago; I am very happy. It shows that these words have turned into discourse, have become a public space and a public demand; this is very valuable. We must maintain this discourse; that is, I insist that the related groups - university groups, education, and especially this scientific vice-presidency, which apparently is not here today - must insist on preserving this discourse of scientific progress.

Regarding knowledge-based companies - which have now been reported and were good - there must certainly be emphasis; the commercialization of sciences and technologies, science and technology parks, and similar things are very necessary and good works. You see, one of our economic problems is the issue of employment; one of the best ways to create employment is these science and technology parks and introducing students to technologies that can be converted into wealth. If some assistance is provided to them, guidance is given, and a practical and operational work - real work - is placed before them, they will become engaged. This notion that everyone who graduates must come and become an employee in a government agency and we mourn that graduates have increased, we have no place, we have no capacity, this is, in my opinion, a wrong perspective. The correct perspective is that we should open the way; for this, planning must be done; that is, it must be planned that our student from the time of study - from, for example, the university or, for example, graduate studies; when they reach high-level scientific awareness - the way should be opened for them to be able to come and work in a place scientifically; and there are truly endless jobs. In my opinion, jobs that arise from science have no end. The more people we have, we can provide scientific jobs for them, provided that we sit down and work.

Another issue is the issue of culture. Well, the friends who are here and especially the cultural officials of the country and the honorable President know my sensitivity regarding cultural issues. Sometimes cultural problems have caused me to lose sleep at night; because of cultural issues; that is how important cultural issues are.

There are two fundamental and essential tasks that must be carried out; one is the production of healthy cultural products in various fields, and the other is preventing the production of harmful and, so to speak, harmful cultural goods; in my opinion, this is among the essential tasks. In all the world, there is care for cultural products and books and similar things; where in the world is there no such care? Show me one place. This lady Ebtekar is present here; she herself told me that a book she had written could not be published in America; no publisher was willing - not that the publisher had that much prejudice; no, if the book is a bestseller, any publisher would come to do this work; [but rather] out of fear and caution - until finally in Canada, for example, she found a publisher, and that publisher, I think, printed it with fear and trembling [or did not print it]; because she mentioned the details a few years ago, perhaps I do not remember the details. Say these things so that these gentlemen know and understand that it is not the case that if we prevent a book, it is only Mr. Jannati (the Minister of Culture and Islamic Guidance) who does this work; no, the same thing happens in America, the same thing happens in Europe. Regarding the Holocaust, no one dares to speak; well, the Holocaust is not a matter of belief. Yes, when it comes to insulting cartoons of the religious sanctities of Islam, then they become freedom-loving and supporters of freedom of expression! But when it comes to the Holocaust, no; there is no freedom of expression. The issue of hijab is the same, other issues are the same; yes, every country has principles that must be cared for, and the governing bodies must observe these principles; there is no need for shyness. If you see that a certain theater, a certain film, a certain book, a certain publication is contrary to the principles of the revolution and the principles of Islam, prevent it and deal with it. Now how to deal with it, that is another discussion, that pertains to the agencies, and look to see what your regulations say; but do not be shy about it and say it clearly. Therefore, healthy cultural nourishment and preventing unhealthy and harmful cultural nourishment is the basis of work.

The liberation of culture is absolutely not permissible. The management of culture is a very necessary task; and management must be based on the slogans of the revolution and the principles of the revolution; that is, care must be taken that what is fundamental is that the principles of the revolution and the principles of the independence of the country, Imam Khomeini, and similar matters must be preserved. This is the second matter that I consider to be among the priorities in this period.

The third priority, which is the most current and urgent, is the issue of the economy; that is, fortunately, Mr. Jahangiri arranged today’s meeting in such a way that it mainly focused on economic issues. Both for the country in terms of its fate and the real progress of the country, today the economy is important; both in terms of the external representation of the country, it is important; and in terms of the realities of people’s lives, it is important. Therefore, the issue of the economy is essentially the fundamental priority of the country, and the more thought is given to this issue, work is done, efforts are made, and reminders are given, the more it is warranted.

First of all, regarding the economy, our belief is that the progress of the country’s economy must be accompanied by justice; we do not accept an economy without justice; that is, the revolution does not accept it; the Islamic Republic system does not accept it. You must ensure that class distances do not arise; the poor are not trampled; these are among the fundamental issues in our macroeconomic planning, which I will later refer to the resistant economy; this same issue of justice and ensuring the minimums is seen in the policies of the resistant economy.

Transforming effort and work into discourse in the public space, in my opinion, is one of the fundamental tasks in the field of economy, a valuable work in the daily work that must be abundant, and its reduction is a major flaw; we should try to make laziness, idleness, and indifference to work appear in the eyes of the people in a proper way; that is, idleness must be condemned; work must be valued. In a narration, we have that the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) saw a young man, he liked this young man; he called him, for example, asked his name, then asked, what is your job? He said, I am unemployed, I have no job; the Prophet said: He has fallen from my eyes; (7) that is how work is. The Prophet does not have shyness with anyone. It must be like this. Of course, both sides demand from each other; the one who is unemployed demands and says give me work; the one who demands work demands and says find a job; there is a middle way that I may refer to during the discussions. We must promote the encouragement of work, the encouragement of value creation and wealth creation in the country; both the government officials should say this, and those who have platforms for speaking and writing in magazines, newspapers, and similar places should take advantage of this opportunity and express these matters. One point in the issue of work is this.

Another issue is creating proper channels for work; this is a statement, a word, but it is a very large and important task; we must create channels for work. When a person speaks about work and employment and encourages it - just as I mentioned - the other side says, well, I am unemployed, what should I do? We must show the people the ways to search for work. I saw a program on television a few days ago that was a good program; they prepared a report. A person comes there and says that I have been able to create this employment with ten million tomans, which has this income. It is related to [flower] cultivation, he says we produce flowers. Then he points out and says that those who want to do this work, in certain places, there are state lands that are made available to them; they should go and produce flowers, for example. I remember that economic friends at one point before your government came, they came [to discuss] how much money is needed to create a job; they were talking about one hundred million and some jobs were five hundred million and these things! Well, a job can be created with ten million. Now, this is one example; another example, which was also on the same television, was another program; there was a lady who was making some things and said I was able to obtain this job with a twenty million investment. Well, it becomes clear that the capacities are very high. In another session here with the gentlemen, it was discussed that our growth should be high; we said that the growth of some advanced European countries is often two, one, one and a half [percent]; the reason for this is that their capacities are full; as for example, suppose China, which had ten, eleven, twelve percent growth, now its growth has decreased; because its capacities are full; many capacities have been filled and it will decrease; our capacities are still very high. Therefore, those who criticized the eight percent growth in the sixth plan, the response given to them by experts and specialists was that we can and it matches the realities of the country; just as the President also pointed out today. Therefore, one of the issues is to create channels for work so that we can see how work can be created. Now, which of the government sectors is responsible for this? Mr. Rabi'i (the Minister of Cooperatives, Labor and Social Welfare) always says that the issue of employment and similar matters is not my responsibility, and they absolve themselves, but in any case, one of the sectors, either you or the Planning Organization [is responsible]; of course, the Ministry of Economy is also responsible in some respects; that we consider the Ministry of Economy responsible does not preclude us from being sincere with you! There are also things related to the Ministry of Economy or the bank that we will reach out to Mr. Seif (the Governor of the Central Bank).

One issue regarding the economy that I emphasize and insist on is the serious management of foreign trade; foreign trade is a very important matter. Foreigners have become accustomed over the years to look at countries, including our country, in this way regarding trade that this place has raw materials, they come and take the raw materials and create added value for themselves; there is a market and demand that [they] take and bring goods. In the pre-revolution period, the ruling apparatus of the country accepted this; at one point, we accidentally encountered a representative of the parliament of that day, who explicitly told me that this is a very good thing! It is actually good that we pay money and Europeans come to prepare goods for us like servants and bring them. I mean, they really had a foolish and absurd logic that led the country in this direction. Today - that is, after the revolution - our view is different; we believe that yes, part of our markets belongs to foreign producers, but part of the market of that foreign producer also belongs to us; that is, a fair exchange and interchange must take place; this is very important.

Then regarding imports, Mr. Nemat-Zadeh mentioned, and of course, one feels ashamed; four ministries were handed over to Mr. Nemat-Zadeh! There were really four ministries here; industries, heavy industries, mines, and commerce. One of the strange things that I never understood until the end was why this was done, was the combination of the Ministry of Commerce with the Ministry of Industries and Mines; I mean, it is still not clear to me why they did this. Well, the officials of the parliament and the government recognized and did it. It is really a difficult task; we understand that it is hard for him, but in any case, this work must be done; that is, one of the very important tasks is the management of foreign trade; in that it should not just be a market for foreign products that the market for cars, the market for this, the market for that is entirely given to them. Worse than this is the issue of banks.

One is the issue of the resistant economy. Well, this year is the second year of the resistant economy; that is, last year - 2014 - was the beginning of the implementation of the resistant economy policies. The friends in the government also provided me with reports that I personally and verbally thanked Mr. Jahangiri when he informed fifteen agencies that these tasks must be done. Then they sent a detailed report, which I summarized for myself and read entirely, looked at it. The works that have been done in the field of the resistant economy, some of them are preliminary works; now, if I want to give examples, it will take time; some of the works that have been reported are related to the ongoing tasks of the agencies; after all, the agencies have ongoing tasks, and they reported these works to you that we did these works; these have come as part of the agencies’ record in the field of the resistant economy; while this is not the case. Some of the works are also not related to the resistant economy clauses; this amount is not enough. The resistant economy policies are a complete and coherent package; this package is not the product of personal thought; it is collective wisdom, a group has sat down; the economic friends present in this assembly know some of this and are aware. A detailed work has been done on this, then it has come here, it has been hammered out, discussed, studied; then it has gone to the Expediency Council and studied; after all, it has come and resulted in these policies. That is why the resistant economy has been approved by everyone; I do not know of a single case where an economist or someone who is good with us, someone who is bad with us has criticized these resistant economy policies; no, everyone has accepted them. Well, this is a coherent package, it must be implemented as a whole; how can it be implemented as a whole? When a so-called executive and operational program is provided for it; this is something that I told Dr. Rouhani a while ago, and it was decided that he would say to the friends to prepare this, God willing, and provide it; this is necessary; that is, we need an operational program; in this program, the share of the agencies must be specified, this agency has its share from these policy clauses, then a timeline must be set; time is very important, a timeline must be set, it must be clear that this must be done by this time, otherwise, if a timeline is not set; there is no guarantee that this will even be done during your government, you want to operationalize this, you want to implement it, you want the people to benefit from its advantages, then set a timeline. First, necessary practical actions regarding each clause must be specified, the executors of the agencies that are responsible must be identified, in each section, necessary timelines must be set, the necessary resources and how to secure those resources must be clarified; after all, these policies are a practical movement and a field movement; when you provide a solution, you want to create a field movement, this has requirements. What are its requirements? How can these requirements be secured? Then if these works are done, then you can monitor, you can follow up, see whether this agency has done its work or not. The work progresses.

The second point regarding the resistant economy is that all economic programs of the government must fit within this resistant economy and these policies; even the sixth plan and annual budgets must all be shaped based on this resistant economy; that is, none of these should be in any section, inconsistent with these policies; not just that they should not oppose them, but they must be completely consistent with these policies.

Another point is that sectors outside the government should be considered; now you may issue directives regarding ministries and government sectors; however, there are sectors outside the government; these can play a role in the resistant economy, including the Basij; I saw a report [as well]. I believe it is very necessary - if Mr. President or at least Mr. Jahangiri have time - that you want to see what the Basij can do regarding the resistant economy and what capacities they have; they are a very good capacity. The Basij is not a small thing, it is not a minor thing; the Basij is a large and ready-to-work organization; ask them, see what they can do; they will come and present their capabilities and say we have done these works. In my opinion, there are good resources. Now, I mentioned the Basij as an example; there are various sectors, individuals who are economists and so-called economic practitioners outside; some have companies and have works, their capacities can be utilized. And all of these must come into that overall program; that is, the overall program should not only pertain to government sectors. So the first step was to create this program with these characteristics.

The next step is to form a strong, intelligent, and decisive command center. Of course, I am aware that the President has formed a council, he himself participates, which is very good; but this is not the command center. Well, the President has many other tasks that he must attend to, it cannot be that all time and effort is devoted to this work. A command center is necessary - like the command centers we had during the war and in some other works, a command center has been created that you, Dr. Rouhani, have experience in these matters - a command center is needed that constantly monitors, looks, sees which agency has been able to progress, where there is a problem. Because talking is easy, planning is not very difficult, [but] acting on these is different; well, when a person wants to enter the field and move forward, sometimes obstacles arise that were not predicted beforehand, some are predicted but there are obstacles that arise; that command center must be able to swiftly remove those obstacles, open the way, and move forward; and it must be decisive, meaning they must listen; it should not be like today where Mr. Jahangiri repeatedly said five minutes [to speak], the gentlemen increased the five minutes to, for example, seven minutes and ten minutes; whatever that command center says, everyone must truly accept that word.

Then report the progress of the work to the people; see what really happens! You assume that for six months, for example, in the same way we said, [that is] when this program is drafted, this command center is formed and works for six months; the work will progress significantly; then come and tell the people the works we have done, the works we have done; the people will feel it in their lives; the hope and optimism for the future that you want to remain in the people will be completely secured; that is, the people should be informed. And [of course] there must also be indicators for evaluation.

There are also legal, judicial, and legal requirements in the resistant economy; the other two branches are ready to cooperate, both the legislative branch - the parliament - is ready for cooperation in this regard; [for example] there is a law that you need to change or amend or add a new law to these laws; you will need these things; or in some cases, a judicial movement is necessary; all of these two branches are ready to cooperate to ensure that this resistant economy is implemented.

It was mentioned regarding the recession; well, this three percent growth that has occurred indicates that the recession has shaken; that is, a movement has taken place; now we must see in which sectors this growth is, in which sectors it is negative; the overall outcome of these positives and negatives has become three percent. If the recession is not seriously addressed, even this three percent growth will be at risk, inflation will also rise, and the employment problem will arise. Now, I will say here that if Mr. Nemat-Zadeh wants to follow up, the number of factories that are currently not operating - that is, a factory that is fully prepared and is not operating - they have reported to us; they specified the exact number; they identified the number of factories that are operating below fifty percent; they identified the number of factories that are operating below seventy percent. Well, now seventy percent is something, but below fifty percent! Some of these have liquidity problems; that is, their working capital has issues - which is the job of the banks, the banks must answer in this regard; that if in the resistant economy, the essential workshop and command center is activated, it can address all of these - but the issue of some of these is not a liquidity issue; the facilities have been taken, the factory is now ready and prepared, there is no problem, its machines are as they have said, some of these are like this that the machines are new, but it does not operate. Why? Because the facilities have been spent elsewhere; well, this has legal consequences, these must be followed up, these must be demanded. That is why we say "command center"; it is for this reason. These kinds of things, these kinds of points will be followed up. If the recession is not addressed, it will affect all economic indicators and signs. Of course, this recent law - the law that was mentioned - is a good law, but it is not sufficient. Supporting production units, securing liquidity, securing working capital, seriously addressing those who have left ready production units idle, all of these are necessary works. And I emphasized in the previous session - a session I had with friends - I said, I emphasize again: the banking system must play a role; that is, the banking system must fully enter the field.

One of the things that have been suggested to us, they have told us and say that the ground is ready, is to assign some projects to the private sector. Of course, incentives must be created for the private sector; because there are currently idle funds, undoubtedly there are idle funds. As I have been informed, we have 400 trillion tomans of projects on the ground - all of them are governmental - if we can assign ten percent of these to the private sector, you will see what happens; 40 trillion tomans will suddenly enter work, this is very important. That is, from these projects that are currently on the ground - that is, from these 400 trillion tomans - if ten percent is given to the private sector, a significant event will occur in the country. This is one of the tasks that must truly be planned and worked on.

The agricultural sector is also important. Of course, I believe that Mr. Hojjati can truly work. In my opinion, he is among the well-experienced ministers in work and can truly do this work; but what we expect from him and the whole group is that self-sufficiency must be achieved in the production of vital products; that is, do not look at self-sufficiency as mere talk and chatter of this and that that wheat is cheaper abroad, and so on. We must achieve self-sufficiency; in vital materials, we must achieve self-sufficiency.

We must utilize agricultural engineers. I once told Mr. Rouhani that we went to one of the provinces - I think it was the trip to Hamadan - there our friends who went to investigate informed us that the agriculture of various regions of that province has a very good boom; [when] they asked, it became clear that they had employed young agricultural engineers, and that province fortunately had a lot of them. They went there and helped them, listened to their words; this helps this [work]. This requires planning; it is not very difficult; it requires a call, it requires identification, it requires planning, it requires categorization, and these works can be done to utilize these.

[Utilizing] modern technology; this issue of water that has now been mentioned - the division of water and, so to speak, the optimal use of water - is very important. Preventing imports; you see, I emphasize again. Now you say we have prevented imports, but there are fruits in the market that [are imported]. After all, how can Iran import fruits from anywhere that are better than our fruits? Once during my presidency, someone from an Arab country - I won’t name names - brought me a beautifully packaged box of dates as a gift. I said this is the real example of taking cumin to Kerman. We have all these dates - this Mazafati date, these various dates from the southern country; whether in Fars province, Khuzestan, or Sistan and Baluchestan - and now they have brought us dates; but in packaging. At that time, I took that gift to the government, I said compare this date with our dates! Our dates are better than this, but how beautifully packaged it is. Back then, our dates were packed in those kinds of bags, tied at the top, and presented! Well, of course, it has improved a bit now. In any case, importing fruits is excessive.

One fundamental issue that is mainly [related to] the Ministry of Agriculture - but it is not just the work of the Ministry of Agriculture - is to focus on the villages. That is, we must truly make this one of the essential sectors of the government’s planning: we must focus on the villages. We have talked about this many times over the years, but this work has not practically happened. We must bring processing industries to the villages, to some cities. I saw in Urmia that apples were lying on the ground! They said it is not worth it at all; the cost of labor is much more than the money we get from selling this apple or peach, apricot, grape; well, it requires processing industries. Many of the various places in the country have these fruits that at certain times, it is not worth it for the owner of the orchard to collect this fruit. If we have processing industries, if we have dryers, we can utilize these. The capacities are extraordinary; truly extraordinary. I saw a tomato in Iranshahr that was the size of a watermelon! There was no exclusive variety; the tomato was that size! There was an orchard between Bampour and Iranshahr - when we were exiled there, they invited us, they brought tomatoes that were the size of a watermelon! I remember I took the onion in my hand, I said I want to measure this, so I can say; it was about the size of my fist! My fingers did not bend when I held this onion. I mean, it was this big! Well, we have these. Many places across the country have these capabilities. If we give importance to rural industries, if we give importance to the villages, if we give importance to these orchard owners, this is the best service to the villages and to our poor in the villages and in other places.

I have also noted the mining sector here, but time has passed (let’s not put too much pressure on Mr. Nemat-Zadeh!). What has been reported to me is that we are extracting a maximum of fifteen percent of the country’s mineral capacity; fifteen percent! We must replace mining with oil; that is, we must truly be able to. Many years ago - perhaps twenty years ago - in that government, I said. We must do something that whenever we want, we can close the wells of our oil; we should not be afraid of a lack of customers, nor of a lack of markets, nor of a lack of money for the price of oil; we must reach this point. Well, we must truly think; we must find a substitute for oil. You see what situation oil has gotten into! A signal from the powers and wicked elements of the region together causes oil to suddenly drop from one hundred dollars to forty dollars! Since it started to drop from one hundred dollars until now, how many months has it taken? Well, this is not reliable; a person cannot consider this as the fate of the economy of the country and the livelihood of a country [and] relate it to such a thing. Oil belongs to us, [but] both its control is in the hands of others, and its greater income belongs to others. More than we benefit from the export of oil, that importing government in Europe or elsewhere benefits more from it, which collects taxes and so on. We are giving our oil, we are getting money; they take our oil and take money from their people. This is a very costly transaction. Well, in some places we are forced to produce oil, we have no choice, but I truly do not feel happy when we hear the statistics of increased exports and increased production; I always think that we must find a substitute for this. Therefore, if we want to find a substitute, one of the best substitutes is mining.

Then regarding mining, we must avoid raw mineral exports. We have valuable mines. In Kerman province or South Khorasan, there are extremely valuable stones. [That is] we should not just extract this stone and send it to Italy so that they can convert it and take its added value several times over, sometimes sending it back to us and exporting it inside our country, it is very frustrating to see such a thing happen. Therefore, this is also an issue. And I believe that in the matter of mining, the private sector is also important. And the provinces, as I have been informed, the governors and individuals of this kind express that they can bring the private sector into the matter of mining and in some other places.

The issue of water that I noted is also very important. Mr. Chitchian’s reference is completely correct. The sitting of underground waters is truly important. This planning that you say you have done is not enough - planning is fifty percent of the work or less - you must follow this plan, get moving. Of course, you are also capable of this, thank God. [In addition to] saving water, reforming irrigation, and the cropping pattern in each region.

The last word is about the sixth plan (10) which is getting delayed. The sixth plan must be prepared as soon as possible, God willing, and as we have said, it must be completely aligned with the resistant economy, and sent to the parliament as soon as possible. Because in my opinion, it must be approved this year; that is, this work must be done as soon as possible. Bring the parliament into action, into the field, so that the friends in the parliament come and seriously follow up, God willing, so that you can achieve this.

May God assist you, God willing. He is the One who sent tranquility into the hearts of the believers so that they may increase in faith along with their faith; (11) may God grant tranquility to the hearts of all of you and us, which this tranquility and calm is the opposite of the so-called stormy and topsy-turvy state of minds and thoughts, and this causes a person’s faith to increase: so that they may increase in faith along with their faith. Tranquility also comes from trusting in divine power, thus it is said: And to Allah belong the soldiers of the heavens and the earth, and Allah is Knowing and Wise. (12) God willing, may God assist you; we always pray for you. And working for the people, working for God, working with sincerity, God willing, should be among the programs of all of us, and may the Almighty God bless and accept it.

Peace be upon you and God's mercy and blessings.