Iran: 46 Years of Striving for Self-Sufficiency

By Dr. Alireza Delkhosh Ambassador of the Islamic Republic of Iran to Sri Lanka

Iran: 46 Years of Striving for Self-Sufficiency

Forty-six years ago, in the winter of 1979, the people of Iran, through a fundamental overhaul of their political system, replaced the monarchy with the Islamic Republic. In the Islamic Republic, the people have sovereignty over their political destiny, whereas in the monarchical regime, a single individual and one family ruled over the fate of millions. In the Islamic Republic of Iran, the people's vote holds the ultimate authority, and the rejection of domination and submission is the red line of its foreign policy.

Just a few months after the victory of the Islamic Revolution, Saddam Hussein's Ba'athist regime, with full support from Western countries, imposed an eight-year war on Iran, causing immense human and financial losses. The Iranian nation managed this war relying on its own capabilities and, after eight years of defending its homeland, did not allow even an inch of its territory to be separated.

Although the countries that once supported Saddam's regime with modern and even prohibited weapons later acknowledged their mistake, the damages inflicted on the newly established Iranian system meant that eight of the most crucial years after the Islamic Revolution were spent defending Iran's territory.

Following the end of the war, Iran faced the most severe economic sanctions in modern history, which continue to this day. From a human rights perspective, vulnerable groups, such as patients with critical medical needs and ordinary citizens, should not have been the target of economic sanctions. However, the reality is that these sanctions prevented Iran from obtaining essential medicines and basic necessities from abroad.

This situation led Iranian intellectuals and academics to adopt the strategy of a "Resilient Economy," relying on national capabilities to meet all their needs domestically. As a result, today's Iran stands as a nation possessing advanced technologies at the highest levels of science and industry on a global scale.

Iran is a country full of vitality, excitement, and an ancient cultural heritage. It is a land of immense historical significance, boasting a glorious civilization that has contributed to the progress of humanity. From the towering peaks of Damavand to the bustling cities of Tehran, Isfahan, Shiraz, Tabriz, Iran offers a rich tapestry of cultural treasures, ancient monuments, and modern achievements.

In addition to its cultural legacy, Iran is at the forefront of modern technological innovation. The country is home to highly skilled professionals and a dynamic workforce. The country stands as a gateway to diverse opportunities for foreign investors, with its vast landmass strategically located at the intersection of global energy corridors and trade routes. Iran has positioned itself as a regional powerhouse in many sectors, including science, technology, and industry. Despite unjust sanctions, Iran has made a remarkable progress since the revolution.

The economy and industry have seen substantial growth. Iran is capable of meeting its industrial, agricultural, and technological needs through its belief in domestic capabilities. According to UNESCO, the literacy rate in Iran has risen from less than 30% to over 90%, and life expectancy has increased by 21 years, reaching 76.2 years.

The number of specialized Iranian physicians has grown from fewer than 7,000 to 72,000. Additionally, medical student enrollment has expanded from 700 students across seven institutions to 180,000 students in 47 medical schools. Moreover, over 97% of the needed medicines are now produced domestically.

According to World Bank statistics, Iran's economy has risen from the 26th global ranking in 1979 to the 22nd in 2022, with its economic power increasing from $490 billion to $1,800 billion. The number of industrial units has risen from 10,000 to 98,000. Despite brutal and illegitimate sanctions, Iran's national economy has grown 3.7-fold, with the private sector’s share growing more than 3 times.

The presence of Iranian women in various social fields has also experienced significant growth in the years following the Islamic Revolution. These achievements reflect the resilience and determination of the Iranian people to overcome challenges and build a bright future.

The late President of Iran's visit to Sri Lanka on April, 2024, marked a turning point in the relations between the two nations. The warm reception of President Raisi by the Sri Lankan people and officials, along with the signing of cooperation agreements in economic, cultural, and political fields, outlined a roadmap for advancing bilateral collaboration across various sectors.

The impressive technological advancements of the Islamic Republic of Iran and the significant development in scientific and industrial activities by Iranian knowledge-based companies offer promising opportunities to strengthen Iran-Sri Lanka relations. Iranian hardware and software industries are poised to establish a more robust presence in Sri Lanka, further fostering our collaboration in technology and industries. I would like to declare that my country is fully prepared to enhance relations in these areas.

The fruits of the Iranian people's self-reliance are reflected in their cultural and economic brilliance, both regionally and globally. Iranian cinema has gained international recognition, the nation’s athletes have achieved numerous championships, and our universities rank among the world's top institutions. In medicine, Iran has made groundbreaking advancements in treatments, pharmaceutical production, and medical equipment. We are prepared to share these achievements with friendly nations, including the culturally rich and civilization-rich nation of Sri Lanka.

With its vibrant economy, Iran offers boundless opportunities. Iran’s economy is driven by its vast natural resources, including some of the world’s largest reserves of oil and natural gas. As the fourth-largest oil producer globally, and with the second-largest gas reserves, Iran is an energy-rich country that plays a crucial role in the global energy market. Additionally, Iran ranks among the top countries in the world for the production of zinc, lanthanum, aluminum, manganese, and copper.

Iran’s agricultural sector is also a key contributor to its economy. The country leads the world in the production of pistachios, barberry, caviar, and woven carpets. Iran’s agricultural products are widely sought after in regional and international markets, a testament to their quality and diversity.

With its abundant natural resources, skilled labor force, and advanced infrastructure, Iran presents a compelling opportunity for foreign investment. The country has developed modern infrastructure in key sectors such as roads, railways, and ports, all of which adhere to international standards. Iran’s transportation and energy networks facilitate trade and economic activities not only within the country but also with neighboring regions.

The country’s strategic location provides access to a market of over 500 million people, and Iran’s ongoing efforts to modernize its infrastructure and investment climate make it an ideal destination for global investors.

As Iran celebrates the 46th anniversary of its Islamic Revolution, it reaffirms its commitment to progress, innovation, and regional cooperation. The journey of the past four decades demonstrates the resilience and determination of the Iranian people, and as we look toward the future, the bonds of friendship and cooperation with Sri Lanka are set to grow even stronger.

The cultural and historical ties between Iran and Sri Lanka date back centuries. While diplomatic relations officially commenced in 1961, these bonds have deepened over the past 64 years. Throughout this period, Iran and Sri Lanka have maintained friendly relations with a spirit of cooperation and mutual respect.

 This forward-looking perspective is exemplified by collaborative projects like the Uma Oya multipurpose project. This Multi Project which inaugurated on April 24, 2024, in the presence of the late President of Iran and the President of Sri Lanka, constructed with the expertise of Iranian engineers, includes two dams and a 120-megawatt power plant, symbolizes our shared commitment to progress.

With a vibrant economy, a rich cultural heritage, and a people dedicated to progress, Iran remains a steadfast partner for Sri Lanka for collaboration in various fields. The journey of the past 46 years reflects the resilience and determination of the Iranian people, and as we look to the future, we are committed to further strengthening the bonds of friendship and cooperation between our two nations.

In conclusion, I extend my sincere congratulations to the friendly nation of Sri Lanka on the 77th anniversary of their independence. May the enduring bond between our two countries continue to grow, and may we witness the expansion of bilateral cooperation across various fields in the future.