Iran (IMNA) - In order to congratulate the Iranian nation and those countries that value and cherish Nowruz on the occasion of the start of the Persian New Year, Ayatollah Khamenei made the statements during an address delivered from the Iranian capital of Tehran early on Tuesday, March 21, 2023.
The Leader's Persian New Year's message reads as follow:
In the name of God, the Beneficent, the Merciful
O’ Changer of hearts and sights,
O’ Director of nights and days,
O’ Transformer of situations and circumstances,
Transform our circumstances to the best of circumstances
I would like to extend my congratulations to everyone in the Iranian country on the beginning of Nowruz, especially to the revered families of the martyrs, the injured, the war veterans, and those who are now serving the people, as well as to all those countries that respect and value Nowruz. May God bless you all on this auspicious Eid.
The spring of nature this year coincides with the spring of spirituality - the month of Ramadan. It is claimed that in the spring, one should not conceal one's body from the spring wind.
Similarly, when it comes to the spiritual spring of Ramadan, we should remember the Prophet's (PBUH) words: "Expose yourself to them" - “Indeed, during your life [you encounter] fragrant breezes, expose yourself to them” [Awali al-Laali, Vol. 4].
The spiritual breeze that prevails throughout the holy month of Ramadan surrounds everyone, and we must prepare for it. We should let this spiritual, holy, and sweet-scented air wash over our hearts. In this lecture and at this hour, I will look briefly at the year 1401 SH, as well as the year that will begin now, the year 1402 SH.
The year 1401, like all the years of a person's life, was full of varied events - economic events, political events, social events - some were sweet, some painful, and generally, like the years that the Iranian people has experienced, especially following the Islamic Revolution.
In 1401, the most essential concern for the nation, in my opinion, was the country's economy, which is directly tied to people's livelihoods. In terms of the economics, there were both bitter and pleasant times.
There was bitterness in some industries, which I shall discuss, as well as good times in some economic circumstances. These issues should be considered together, side by side, before making an overall assessment. The animosity sprang mostly from inflation and high costs, which are very painful, particularly the increase in the price of food and other basics of life.
When there is a big increase in food costs and the prices of basic needs, the economically disadvantaged segments of society are the ones that suffer the most because food and basic living supplies make up the majority of their household basket. As a result, the focus is mostly on them, and this was, of course, one of the bitter incidents.
This, in my perspective, was a more basic, substantial, and painful problem among the country's key economic difficulties. Of course, good work has also been done in the economic area, as well as achievements that have an impact on the economy, which I will discuss.
These accomplishments should be pursued so that they can have an impact on and be related to people's lives and livelihoods. Production was also encouraged. According to the information I have, manufacturing was supported in the nation in 1401.
Hundreds of factories that had been closed or were just partially active resumed operations. Knowledge-based firms have grown in popularity. Of course, it was not as much as I had requested the previous year, but the number of these firms increased significantly. The product value of these enterprises has likewise increased. The employment situation has improved.
That is to say, unemployment fell by a percentage point - although a little percentage point - and employment expanded somewhat, which is something to be applauded.
The exhibit arranged by governmental and non-governmental manufacturers, as well as the conference in [Imam Khomeini] Hussainiyah, where the country's top manufacturers met and talked, was a genuinely enjoyable occasion.
I am pleased with the items created by the country's producers; they have done admirably. Some economic indices have upped. We had a positive growth index in the insurance business, and we did well in the construction, water, gas, highways, and environmental sectors. Of course, as I previously stated, and now emphasize, these jobs must be related to people's lives and provide alleviation in people's lives.
When will it occur? When will this scenario occur in this way?
When it continues, after specific preparations have been created, and God willing, these positive actions must continue this year, in the year 1402, in order to bring prosperity into people's lives and food to their tables, particularly among the poorer socioeconomic strata.
Of course, we must keep in mind that we are not the only ones experiencing economic difficulties. Nowadays, many countries in the world, or even all countries, face economic challenges. Even the world's wealthiest countries are not immune. Governments with robust, sophisticated economies are beset with a plethora of issues and quandaries.
In this regard, some of them are much worse off than we are. Strong economies are experiencing bank collapses, as you may have heard recently. Of course, some were reported, while others were not, but you will be hearing about them shortly.
Bankruptcies and large debts in the billions of dollars are an issue in several countries. There are issues there, and there are issues here as well. They are attempting to conquer it, and we should follow suit.
We must make an attempt. To combat it, officials must work hard. In addition to the efforts of individuals working in the economic, political, and cultural spheres, government authorities should do all possible to make the year 1402 a sweet and joyful year for the Iranian nation.
In other words, we all have a responsibility to make 1402 a year full of lovely moments for the Iranian people, God willing. The bitterness should be removed, while the sweetness should be increased, and we should, God willing, add to our accomplishments.
Now consider the year 1402. I feel that in 1402, the economy will remain the most important subject on which we should concentrate our efforts.
This isn't to suggest we don't have other issues. We also have other issues, such as cultural and political issues. The major and important concern this year, though, is the economy.
Thus, if God wills, we will be able to minimize the country's economic issues, and if God wills, our officials will make an effort, exercise diligence, and work hard on significant responsibilities in this sector, many of the country's other problems will be handled as well.
[This applies to] the administration, the Islamic Parliament, people involved in the economy, and young, motivated public groups, some of which I am aware of and like.
I am aware that they are doing significant jobs in these economic sectors. All of these organizations should concentrate their efforts on assisting in the resolution of the country's and people's concerns. Now and again, basic economic activities such as production are used to solve these difficulties.
As a result, production is a critical activity in the economy. [Sometimes it is accomplished by] humanitarian and Islamic actions like as public aid and assistance, as well as public collaboration with the most vulnerable segments of society.
So, I mentioned productivity and how vital it is to me, but investment is as crucial. I'd want to bring this to the attention of both reputable government authorities and the private sector.
We have fallen far behind in terms of investment over the previous decade. One of our country's major shortcomings is the question of investment.
There must be investment. This is a crucial responsibility as well.
Taking into account all of these diverse factors, the most crucial ones are inflation and domestic production - inflation is the fundamental issue, and domestic production is unquestionably one of the keys to rescuing the country from economic difficulties.
In light of these considerations, I'd like to introduce this year's slogan: "Inflation control, production growth." This is the year's slogan.
The country's authorities should devote their whole attention to these two issues.
The country's officials must focus on these first, and then, as previously stated, those active in the economic field and members of the public who are able to do something, as well as those working in cultural fields, such as radio and television networks, must raise cultural awareness in these areas.
These two crucial problems must be taken into consideration by all of these groups: Priority one should be given to reducing inflation. They must concentrate on increasing output while also seriously controlling and reducing inflation to the greatest extent feasible. As a result, it is limiting both inflation and output growth.
I pray to Almighty God to bless everyone with success. I extend my greetings, dedication, and sincerity to the spirit of the existing cosmos, to the surviving relic of God on earth - may our souls be sacrificed for his cause.
I beseech Almighty God to raise our late noble Imam's rank and the pure souls of our beloved martyrs to the greatest heights.
And I pray to Almighty God to bless the Iranian people with wealth, happiness, and renewal. Other issues will be addressed in my [New Year's Day] speech, God willing.
God bless you with greetings, mercy, and blessings.
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