"Sanctions Can't Affect FDI in Iran"

International sanctions do not leave any direct impact on Iran's attraction of foreign direct investment, a Deputy Minister of Economic Affairs and Finance has said. Behrouz Alishiri said the sanctions "represent a government's behavior" and they cannot affect foreign private financiers' decision to invest in another country. However, he said, sanctions and restrictions can disturb transfer of money and technology. "If a private entity sees low risk in investment in Iran, it will choose Iran," said Alishiri, also head of the Investment, Technical and Economic Aids Organization.

The official boasted a US$200 million growth in foreign investment in 1388 (March 2009-2010) compared with the previous year. He said more than US$1.7 billion have been invested in Iran in 1388. Alishiri said he expected the foreign investment record would be smashed in 1388 when a foreign investment databank is established and active projects are finalized. - Iran News