Iran's True Image Reflected in Foreign Media Visit to Markazi Province

Arak – Markazi Governor said that foreign journalists' visits to the province's industrial capacities and disaster-affected areas could present public opinion worldwide with a true picture of Iran's capabilities and the dynamism of its society.

According to the reporter, Mehdi told foreign reporters the realities of Iran without being influenced by space constructions. Before noon on Thursday, in a press meeting with reporters of 15 foreign media in Arak, Mehdi said: the existence of large industries has provided foreign reporters with the realities of Iran without being influenced by space constructions, according to diverse production units and specialized human resources in the central province, a suitable capacity for investment development, increasing production and expanding exports.

Referring to the activity of production units in 37 industrial towns of the province, he added: As the capital of the country's industry, Merazi is the second province in the field of heavy industries and the fourth province in terms of the number of industrial units, and in addition to industrial capacities, it also has scientific, historical, tourism and agricultural capabilities.

The Central Governor listed the geographical and transit location of the province as one of its economic advantages and said: Central location on the route of the main north-south and east-west corridors has increased the importance of this province in the exchange and transportation of goods.

Referring to the renewable energy capacities of the province, Zandieh Vakili said: the capacity of the central solar power plants has reached one thousand megawatts, and about one thousand power plants in more than one thousand points of the province have been connected to the national grid. The goal of the province is to achieve the capacity of five thousand megawatts of solar electricity, and the largest solar power plant in the Middle East is also under construction in this province.

He continued: In the first half of this year, the province's non-oil exports have increased by 41 percent compared to the same period last year, and according to the assessment of the Iranian Chamber of Commerce, Merazi has ranked fourth in the country in terms of business indicators.

Stating that this province has about 2% of the country's area and population, the Central Governor stated: the development of internal capabilities after the Islamic Revolution has provided the basis for increasing the country's self-reliance in the fields of food, industry and technology, and the pressure of sanctions has not been able to prevent the continuation of economic activities.

Referring to the recent attacks on civilian areas, he said: More than 3,000 residential and industrial units were damaged in the Central Province, which had nothing to do with military activities.

Zendieh Vakili added: Attacks on residential areas and civilian units are carried out with the aim of creating terror, increasing economic pressure on the weak and influencing the government.

The central governor emphasized: These pressures not only weaken the will of the Iranian nation to defend the country, but also increase the determination of the people to maintain independence and freedom. According to him, despite some disagreements about the way of running the country, it is still one of the principles emphasized by the people of Iran.

He also considered the economic problems and demands of the youth in the field of employment and welfare to be largely affected by the sanctions and emphasized: If the JCPOA continues and the US does not withdraw from this agreement, the economic and living conditions of the youth could be much better than the current situation.

More than 4,000 Iraqi students study in Central Province universities

The central governor announced that more than 4,000 Iraqi students are studying in the universities of the province and said: The development of scientific and commercial cooperation with Iraq is one of the important capacities of this province.

Referring to the joint capacities of the two countries, he added: More than 4,000 Iraqi students are studying in various fields of medical and engineering sciences in the universities of Central Province, and they are satisfied with the educational conditions. Possible problems of these students are also continuously followed up and solved.

Referring to the commercial relations between Central Province and Iraq, Zandieh Vakili added: A major part of the province's non-oil exports are destined for Iraq, and the growth of exports this year has shown the economic capacities of this region more than ever. The geographical proximity also provides a good basis for the development of trade exchanges and joint investment between the two sides.

Referring to the special broadcast of the "Iran John" program from Saturday for a week, the central governor said: the capabilities and investment opportunities of the province will be introduced through more than 200 domestic and international radio and television channels, including Jam Jam and Al-Kowsar global channels.

Stating that Iran's neighborhood with 15 countries and having long borders in the north and south has provided the capacity for continued export and import, he said: Sanctions have created difficulties and costs for economic activities, but they have not been the main obstacle to the activities of the country's artisans.

Referring to the support of the government and support institutions for vulnerable groups, Zandieh Vakili stated: distribution of basic goods, payment of subsidies in the field of bread and activities of support institutions in the most distant villages have played an effective role in providing livelihood needs of the people and the altruism culture of the society has always supported the needy.

Emphasizing the country's internal capabilities, he added: The Iranian nation has gone through great difficulties throughout history, and Iran's economic position in the world can be stabilized by relying on internal capabilities.

Central Province's readiness to manage crisis situations

Emphasizing the readiness of the country's defense forces, the central governor said: the defense forces are fully prepared against threats and any hostile action will be met with a decisive and reciprocal response.

He also stated about the safety of the surrounding areas of the Khandab heavy water complex: due to the absence of nuclear materials and compliance with safety standards, there is no concern about this for the residential areas around the complex, and international observers have visited these areas many times.

Referring to the necessity of maintaining public peace in the face of threats, Zandiye Vakili added: the enemies are trying to create terror among civilians by actions such as attacking schools, but the country and Central Province have the necessary preparation to manage crisis situations in various sectors, including hospital services, relief and provision of public necessities.