Rouhani Highlights Role of Knowledge-Based Firms in Iran’s COVID-19 Battle

By Staff, Agencies

Iranian President Hassan Rouhani said the big investment his administration has made in the development of knowledge-based companies has paid off as those businesses are greatly contributing to the country’s fight against the coronavirus pandemic.

In comments on the sidelines of a Sunday visit to an exhibition of high-tech products for the fight against the novel coronavirus, Rouhani said the administration has been making efforts to strengthen and promote knowledge-based companies over the past couple of years.

The plans to strengthen the infrastructures of domestic knowledge-based companies have boosted businesses, promoted technologies and elevated the country’s position in scientific rankings, the president added.

He also noted that development of knowledge-based companies has made Iran self-sufficient in the production of many goods which were imported in the past.

The domestic production of commodities by knowledge-based businesses has reduced the expenditure on imports and created a large market for Iranian products, he added.

The president also said investment in strengthening the infrastructures in the health system is now helping the country at the time of crisis, noting that advanced medical equipment are currently at the disposal of the medical society for the battle with COVID-19.

While the outbreak of coronavirus has forced people to stay home and has restricted the travels, the robust infrastructures in the cyber sector and electronic services have helped the country resume its activities via the virtual space, the president added, according to IFP.

He also said that the achievements of the local industries displayed in the exhibition signify the ability to manufacture the necessary equipment for the treatment of coronavirus patients and carry out swift laboratory tests to detect the virus.