Iran: Open for business
With sanctions lifting, how much change should the average Iranian expect?
On Wednesday, january 27 at 19:30 GMT:
Financial sanctions against Iran have now been lifted as Tehran met its part of the historic nuclear deal that was reached with the United States and five other nations. President Hassan Rouhani called the deal a “golden page” and a “turning point” for the country’s economic prosperity, as he presented the draft budget to the Iranian parliament. He also promised billions of dollars in investment and is already in Europe looking for business opportunities and finalising deals with countries like Italy and France.
For Iran the implementation of the deals means immediate access to nearly $100 billion in frozen assets and the possibility of nearly $50 billion of foreign investment each year, according to the country’s central bank governor. It also means the Tehran now has the freedom to sell its oil and purchase goods in the international marketplace.
The sanctions have had a serious impact on the lives of Iranians. Poverty increased, the value of the currency plummeted, the price of food inflated and access to certain types of medical drugs and supplies became increasingly limited. In addition automobile and aviation industries suffered due to the inability to import new parts.
While many Iranians may be excited about the economic opportunities that come with the lifting of the sanctions, others downplayed their expectations for dramatic changes in their everyday lives. So for average Iranians, how much of a change should they expect? Join the conversation at 19:30GMT.
Joining this conversation
Negar Mortazavi @NegarMortazavi
Journalist
Sadegh Zibakalam @sadeghzibakalam
Professor of Political Science, University of Tehran
Jamal Abdi @jabdi
Policy Director, National Iranian American Council
niacouncil.org
Abas Aslani @abasinfo
Journalist
tasnimnews.com
What impact will the lifting of sanctions against Iran have on everyday life for Iranians? Leave your thoughts below.