The President considered Kurdistan province to be a suitable place for domestic and foreign investments, and said, "Economic growth depends on increasing investment and increasing productivity, which will be achievable in this government by reforming the economic system and eliminating the areas of rent-seeking, corruption, party games and unhealthy relationships”.
Speaking on Friday evening in the passionate gathering of the people of Sanandaj, Ayatollah Dr Seyyed Ebrahim Raisi described Kurdistan as the epitome of bravery, courage and resilience, and said, "Years of protecting the borders of this country, standing with vision against adversaries and counter-revolutionaries, devoting more than 5 thousand martyrs and 9 thousand wounded veterans and having men and women of culture and art are only part of the characteristics of a region whose civility and civilisation are well-known and in one word it should be said "Long Live Kurdistan".
Stating that today the people of Iran bear witness to the perseverance and standing of the people of Kurdistan, the President described the existence of all ethnic groups as an opportunity for the country, and added, "In addition to the people who are hardworking and active, the clerics, scientists and elites who were raised in Kurdistan, are a source of pride and honour not only for this province, but also for the whole of Iran”.
Referring to Kurdistan province's huge capacities in the fields of agriculture, livestock, mining and tourism, Dr Raisi said, "By benefiting from the power of the elites, especially the educated young people of this province, these large capacities can be turned into a dynamic and active economy”.
The President added, "Despite the admirable efforts made in the years after the victory of the Islamic Revolution, many of the capacities of this province have not been exploited, which must be taken into consideration by the government, investors and entrepreneurs of the private sector”.
Ayatollah Raisi stated that what is of concern for the people of this province and I as a servant today is seeing the educated workforce unemployed despite having these capacities, saying, "The 13th Administration is determined to reduce the unemployment rate in Kurdistan by using the power of the private sector and cooperatives, and in the meeting of the administrative council of the province, serious resolutions will be passed in order to create employment”.
The President emphasised the use of border capacities for commercial and economic growth and development, and said, "By activating the border markets, the practice of porting will be completely eliminated. Therefore, the government's decision is to develop border markets and increase trade and export in this province”.
Addressing the people of Kurdistan, the President emphasised, "I want you to know that the government's plan today is to fight against poverty, corruption and discrimination, and we are determined in this field, and with the help of God, we will correct the corruption-causing platforms”.
Ayatollah Raisi stated that poverty, discrimination and injustice are not things that should happen in the Islamic system, and added, "The managers who appear in this field should move in the direction of the interests of the people and do what is in the interest of the people, even if it causes the discomfort of certain people”.
Referring to Kurdistan province's benefit from efficient human resources, the President addressed the governor-general and provincial officials, and said, "Today, local selection is a priority and the province's efficient workforce must be employed. All managers should note that the government's policy is to use efficient, revolutionary and caring local young forces in all provinces”.
Dr Raisi stated that this government came into office with the vote and will of the same people and they are the best supervisors and guarantees for the government's decisions, and added, "If someone in any department and organisation does not have the necessary motivation, they are not revolutionary personnel”.
Ayatollah Raisi further pointed out that the country, especially the Kurdistan province, is blessed with "security" and "unity and cohesion" and stated, "What disappoints the enemy is the presence of you people in different fields. The presence of the people is one of the components of the power of the Islamic Republic of Iran”.
The President further referred to the cruel Western sanctions against Iran and said, "The enemy thought that they could limit us with sanctions and threats, but our greatest progress was made in the industries that were under the most threats and sanctions. We have said many times that nuclear weapons have no place in our military and defence doctrine, but we will definitely benefit from nuclear capability in the field of agriculture, industry, oil and gas and all fields”.
Dr Raisi stated that the sanctions not only did not affect our military capabilities, but also caused significant progress in this field, and said, "In the field of science and technology, despite extensive efforts to prevent our young people from reaching the heights peaks of progress, today great honours have happened in this country for which we should thank God Almighty”.
Ayatollah Raisi referred to some shortcomings in the administration of justice and economy, and said, "If the officials in these areas had paid attention to the true guidelines of the Islamic Revolution, the situation would have been different today. What is the true guidance and requirement of the Islamic Revolution? Relying on domestic strength and ignoring the frowns and smiles of outsiders is what can bring about the growth and progress of this country, and this will be one of the serious plans of the government”.