The Leader of the Islamic Republic of Iran Ayatollah Sayyid Ali Khamenei received the officials and executives in charge of implementing the macro policies on Article 44 of the Iranian Constitution on Monday, February 19.
In an address to the audience, the Leader stated that any effort to implement these progressive policies is considered to be a kind of jihad and striving in the way of Allah. He added that if all the relevant officials and government organs carry out their responsibilities in an appropriate manner, the tangible and promising effects of the implementation of macro policies on Article 44 will be witnessed over the next two or three years.
Ayatollah Khamenei described some changes to certain structures and laws as the prerequisite for the implementation of macro policies on Article 44. He stated that bringing about these changes is part of the duties of the three government branches and all the state organizations, adding that all the economic activities and planning should be conducted within the framework of these macro policies.
Further in his statements, the Leader of the Islamic Republic pointed out that the economic developments in the post-revolution era have not been commensurate with the great socio-political developments in the country in the same period.
"It is true that some very important measures have been taken in the economic sphere. However, by increasing the per capita income in a tangible manner, raising the gross national product, participating in the international arenas of economic competition, eliminating poverty and deprivation and administering social justice, we should try to present a successful economic model to the world and display our country's efficiency and capability to promote economic growth and prosperity and administer justice to other nations," the Leader told the audience.
Ayatollah Khamenei referred to increasing the national wealth and administering social justice as the two main pillars of Islamic economy. Stressing that any economic method and prescription which fulfills these two objectives is acceptable, he added that any other economic plan that is not seeking to increase the national wealth or dispense social justice will not be useful to the country and nation.
"In order to increase the national wealth, the way should be paved for all the people to engage in investment and productive economic activities, and the educated and young workforce as well as competent managers should be provided with an opportunity to carry out large-scale lucrative projects under the aegis of various state organs," Ayatollah Khamenei noted.
The Leader of the Islamic Republic also referred to a serious campaign against economic corruption as a measure that is complementary to the production of wealth through legal and legitimate means. He stated that a serious campaign against economic corruption will prepare the ground for sound economic competition and the implementation of macro policies on Article 44 of the Iranian Constitution.