In the name of God, the Compassionate, the Merciful
High-level Symposium on
Industrial and Trade Policies:
Promoting Exports and Developing Employment in Iran
Tehran—10th and 11th of October 2015
October 10, 2015
First Day Registration (8:00-8:30)
Inaugural session (8:30-9:30)
National anthem of the Islamic Republic of Iran 8:30
Recitation of the Holy Quran 8:32
Welcoming statement by Dr. Razavi, Head of the Inst. for Trade Studies and Research 8:35-8:40
Speech by the, Minister of Industry, Mine and Trade Eng. Nematzade 8:40-9:00
Speech by the President of the Islamic Republic of Iran, Dr. Rohani 9:00-9:30
Short Break 9:30-10:00
Plenary Session I: Industrial Policy Lessons for Iran (10:00-12:00)
Director: Dr. Rafati, Discussants: Dr. Pourmohamadi and Dr. Shafiee
1. Statement by UN Resident Coordinator/UNDP Resident Representative

Gary Lewis
UNDP, Tehran
2.Keynote speech: “Industrial Policy Revisited: A New Structural Perspective”

Justin Yifu Lin
Former World Bank Senior Chief Economist, Professor and Honorary Dean at the National
School of Development, Peking University
3.“Export-Oriented Industrial Development in Iran”

Mohammad R. Razavi
Director, Institute for Trade Studies and Research/ITSR
Namaz and Lunch Break
Plenary Session II: Economic Policy Impacts on Export-Oriented Industrial Development (14:00 – 16:15).
Director: Dr Shojaeddini and Discussants Eng. Seyed ali, and Dr. Tashkini
1.“Current Government Policy and Prospects for Macroeconomic Management and Industrial and Trade
Development”

Massoud Nili
Professor of Economics at Sharif University of Technology, Advisor to the President on
Economic Affairs, Director of Higher Institute for Training and Research on Management and
Planning
2. “Role of Exchange Rate and Trade Orientation in Iran’s Industrial Policy”

Behruz Hadi Zonuz
Professor of Economics, Allameh Tabatabai University
Coffee Break
October 10, 2015 (continued)
Plenary Session III: Diversifying Exports and Moving up the Global Value Chain: (16:30-18:45).
Director: Dr. Razavi, Discussant Dr. Miandoabchi
1.“Malaysian Experience in Moving up the Global Value Chain in Resource-Based Industries”

Zakariah Abdul Rashid
Emeritus Professor and Executive Director of Malaysian Institute of Economic Research/MEIR,
Malaysia
2.“The Asian Model of Industrial Cluster Policy for the Global Value Chain”

Akifumi Kuchiki
Department of International Development Studies, College of Bioresources Sciences, Nihon
University, Japan
3.“Role of Environmental Intelligence System and International Connectedness in Industrial Policy
Formulation in Iran”


Morteza Imani Rad
Faculty Member, Industrial Management Organization, Tehran
Siamak Qasemi
Doctoral Candidate, Industrial Management Organization, Tehran
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October 11, 2015 (Second Day)
Second Day Registration (8:15-8:45)
National anthem of the Islamic Republic of Iran 8:30
Recitation of the Holy Quran 8:32
Welcoming statement 8:35-8:40
Plenary Session IV: Requirements for Industrial and Trade Development (8:40-10:00).
Director: Dr. A. Mashayekhi, Discussent: Dr Laylaz
1. “Capabilities for Productive Transformation and Employment”

Irmgard Nübler
Coordinator, Industrial Policies and Structural Transformation Program at International Labor
Organization
2.“Capabilities and Economies of Scale as Drivers of Exports and Employment in Iran”


Hamid R. Ashrafzadeh
Associate Professor, Institute for Trade Studies and Research
Pooya Alaedini
Associate Professor, Department of Social Planning, University of Tehran
Coffee break
Plenary Session V: Toward a Trade Policy Framework for Iran (10:15-12:00).
Director: Dr. Memar Nejad, Discussant: Dr. Momeni
1.“International Trade Law Framework and Iran’s Trade Prospects”

Sadeq Z. Bigdeli
Senior Lecturer and Associate Dean, Faculty of Law, University of Waikato, New Zealand
2.“Iran Trade Policies Connecting to the Markets”

Mina Mashayekhi
Head of Trade Negotiations and Commercial Diplomacy Branch, Division on International
Trade in Goods, Services, and Commodities, UNCTAD
3.“Development Strategy and Policies for an Oil Exporting Country: Prospects and Challenges of
industrialization and Employment Creation in Iran”

Mehdi Shafaeddin
International Policy Advisor and Former Head of Policy Analysis Branch, UNCTAD
Lunch break
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October 11, 2015 (continued)
Plenary Session VI: Capability Accumulation, Employment Development, and Inclusive Growth (14:00-16:45).
Director: Dr. Raghfar, Discussant Dr. Alaedini
1.“Higher Education and the Development of Capabilities in Iran”


Gholam Ali Farjadi
Professor of Economics, Higher Institute for Training and Research on Management and
Planning
Ali Reza Amini
Research Fellow, Institute for Trade Studies and Research
2.“An Inclusive Growth Framework for Industrial Development”

Tim Scott
Policy Advisor, Natural Capital and the Environment, Sustainable Development Cluster
Bureau for Policy and Program Support, UNDP
3.“The Important Role of Women in Iran’s Economic and Industrial Policies
for Coming Decade”

Nadereh Chamlou
International Development Advisor and former Senior Advisor, The World Bank
Closing Ceremony (17:15-18:00)
1.Mohamad R. Razavi, Director of ITSR, Delivering the Symposium declaration
2.Reza Rahmani, MP, Director of Industry Committee of Majlis, Discussing the place of Majlis in
industrial development
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ROUNDTABLE DISCUSSION SESSIONS
October 10, 2015
Roundtable Discussion A: "Prospects and Challenges of Downstream Petrochemical Industries"
(14:00 to 16:00)
Chair: Mehdi Pourghazi (Head of Industry Commission of Iran Chamber of Commerce)
Participants/Speakers:




Aman Amanpour (International Energy Advisor)
Abdulla Tawakol (General Manager, Jotun MENA)
Hasan Rasouli (Chairman of Kansai Paint Company, Iran)
Reza Mohtashamipour (Head of Bureau for Development of Downstream Petrochemical
Industry, National Petrochemical’s Company of Iran)
Supporting Organizations:




Industrial Development and Renovation Organization of Iran (IDRO)
Rubber and Plastics Association of Iran
Resin and Paint Association of Iran
Iran Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mine and Agriculture
Roundtable Discussion B: “Promoting FDI and Establishing Joint Ventures” (16:00 to 18:00)
Chair: Hossein Salimi (Advisor to Iran Chamber of Commerce)
Participants/Speakers:



Parviz Aghili Kermani (Banker and Joint Investment Advisor)
Hasan Rasouli (Chairman of Kansai Paint Company, Iran)
Leonid Kuzochenko (Member of Ukrain Parlimant)
Supporting Organizations:



Organization for Economic Investment and Technical Assistance of Iran
Iran Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mine and Agriculture
Majles Research Centre
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5
October 11, 2015
Roundtable Discussion C: “Small Enterprises, Employment Development and Industrial Clusters”
(10:00 to 12:30)
Chair: Hassan Taei (Deputy Head of Entrepreneurship Development and Employment in Ministry of
Welfare, Labor and Social security)
Participants/Speakers:




Gholam Ali Farjadi (Professor of Economics, Higher Institute for Training and Research on
Management and Planning)
Nadereh Chamlou (International Development Advisor and former Senior Advisor to the World
Bank)
Gholam Reza Soleimani (Deputy Head of Organization for Small Industries and Industrial
Estates of Iran)
Mansour Asgari (Faculty member Institute for Trade Studies and Research)
Supporting Organizations:




Ministry of Science, Research and Technology
Vocational training organization of Iran
Organization for Small Industries and Industrial Parks
Management and Planning Organization of Iran
Roundtable Discussion D: “Prospects and Challenges of the Commercial Automotive Industry”
(10:00 to 12:30)
Chair: Amir Hossein Ghanati (Director General for Automotive Industries, Ministry of Industry,
Mine and Trade)
Participants/Speakers:




Sassan Ghorbani (Head of the Auto Parts Companies Association of Iran)
Mr. Lucas Renault Truck)
Sadegh Abedi (Faculty Member, Azad University, Ghazvin)
Eng. Asgari (Vice President, Bahman Disel Co.)
Supporting Organizations:



Competition Council of Iran
Organization for Protection of Consumers and Producers
Auto Parts Association of Iran
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October 11, 2015 (Continued)
Roundtable Discussion E: “Trade Policy, Accession to WTO, and Promotion of Non-Oil Exports”
(14:00 to 16:30)
Chair: Mina Mashayekhi (Head of Trade Negotiations and Commercial Diplomacy Branch, Division
on International Trade in Goods, Services, and Commodities, UNCTAD)
Participants/Speakers:




Mehdi Shafaeddin (International Industrial Policy Advisor and former Head of UNCTAD’S
Trade Policy Analysis Branch)
Mehdi Behkish (Secretary General of Iranian Committee in International Commerce Chamber)
Sadeq Z. Bigdeli (Senior Lecturer and Associate Dean, Faculty of Law, University of Waikato,
New Zealand)
Mir Hadi Seyedi (Faculty Member, Institute for Trade Studies and Research)
Supporting Organizations:



Management and Planning Organization of Iran
Expediency Council of Iran
Globalization Studies Center of Iran
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Industrial Policy Revisited: A New Structural Economics Perspective/Justin Lin
Abstract: Despite much controversy, industrial policy is often used by governments to promote
economic development. In the talk I will analyze the successes and failures of implementing such policy
through a new structural economics perspective. Specifically, I argue that (1) sector-targeted industrial
policy is essential to achieve dynamic structural change and rapid, sustained growth in an economy; (2)
most industrial policies fail because they target industries that are not compatible with the country’s
comparative advantages; (3) successful industrial policy should target industries that are the country’s
latent comparative advantages; (4) historical experiences show that in the catching-up stage, successful
countries’ industrial policies, in general, have targeted the industries in dynamically growing countries
with a similar endowment structure and somewhat higher per capita income; and (5) the Growth
Identification and Facilitation Framework, based on new structural economics, is a new, effective way to
target latent comparative-advantage industries and support their growth.
Mr. Lin is professor and honorary dean, National School of Development at Peking University. He is
Vice Chairman of the All-China Federation of Industry and Commerce. He was the Senior Vice President
and Chief Economist of the World Bank, 2008-2012. Prior to joining the Bank, Mr. Lin served for 15
years as Founding Director and Professor of the China Centre for Economic Research (CCER) at Peking
University and is the author of 24 books including Against the Consensus: Reflections on the Great
Recession, The Quest for Prosperity: How Developing Economies Can Take Off, New Structural
Economics: A Framework for Rethinking Development and Policy, Demystifying the Chinese Economy,
Benti and Changwu: Dialogues on Methodology in Economics, and Economic Development and
Transition: Thought, Strategy, and Viability.
He is a member of the Standing Committee and Vice Chairman of Economic Council, Chinese People’s
Political Consultation Conference; Counselor of the State Council, Vice Chairman of Peking University
Council. He served on several national and international committees, leading groups, and councils on
development policy, technology, and environment including: Eminent Persons Council of the World
Bank, International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI) Steering Committee, the UN Millennium Task
Force on Hunger; the Eminent Persons Group of the Asian Development Bank; the National Committee
on United States-China Relations; the Global Agenda Council on the International Monetary System;
Reinventing Bretton Woods Committee; and the Hong Kong-U.S. Business Council. He received
honorary doctoral degrees from Universite D’Auvergne, Fordham University, Nottingham University,
City University of Hong Kong, London School of Economics, Hong Kong University of Science and
Technology, University of British Columbia, Katholieke University Leuven, and is a Corresponding
Fellow of the British Academy and a Fellow of the Academy of Sciences for Developing World.
Macroeconomic Management and Prospects for Industrial and Trade Development in
Iran/ Massoud Nili
Abstract: A two-way relationship exists between macroeconomics performances and the performance of
the industrial sector. Macroeconomic policies influence the performance of the industrial sector and the
growth of the industrial sector affects economic growth in significant ways. This paper probes the
impacts of economic policies on the performance of the industrial sector in Iran. It shows that the
structure of the set of existing industrial activities in Iran has been determined by chronic two-digit
inflation rates, banking and credit policies, exchange rate and trade policies, policies pertaining to the
domestic energy market, and the extent and nature of government’s intervention in the market for
domestic products—whose results are a mix of industries related to the construction sector, the protected
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automotive industry, food-related industries, and the shallow petrochemicals industry. This industrial mix
is currently grappling with the problem of oversupply, which appears to be temporary. Yet, it is also faced
with the challenge of competitiveness, which is difficult to address. The paper asserts that for various
reasons the continuation of pervious economic policies will not be possible or will be undesirable. Thus,
the existing industrial structure with various economic polices require change—as the existing industrial
structure is not only unable to bring about high growth rates but is also recession-prone by nature. The
paper suggests suitable alternatives for invigoration of the industrial sector that are compatible with sound
macroeconomic policies.
Massoud Nili is currently Advisor to the President of I.R. Iran in economic affairs and Director of High
Institute for Training and Research in Management and Planning. He has held various positions in past,
including Director General of Macroeconomic Bureau of the Management and Planning Organization,
Deputy of the Management and Planning Organization for Economic Affairs and Coordination, Director
of High Institute for Research in Planning and Development, Economic Advisor to the Minister of
Petroleum, and Chair of Economics Department as well as Dean of the Faculty of Management and
Economics at Sharif University of Technology. Dr. Nili led the preparation of the First and Third National
Economic, Social, and Cultural Plans of Iran as well as Iran’s Industrial Development Strategy and
Initiative on Currency Reserve Account. He has written extensively on Iran’s various economic issues
and has several books and a number of articles and reports to his credit. Dr. Nili holds an undergraduate
degree in structural engineering from Sharif University of Technology, master’s degrees in economic
systems planning and in economics from Isfahan University of Technology and the University of
Manchester respectively, and a Ph.D. in economics from the University of Manchester.
Role of Exchange Rate and Trade Orientation in Iranian Industrial Policy/ Behrooz, Hady
Zonooz
Professor of Economics in Allameh Tabatabiee University After retirement in 2008, he established his
private business as economic consultant. Now he is senior economic adviser for Plan and Budget
Organization, Research center of Parliament and Ministry of Roads and Urban planning .He is the author
of six books Including:
The Experience of Industrial Policies in Iran, Foreign Direct Investment in Iran, Iranian Economy,
Economic Planning in Iran, Evaluation of Monetary and Banking Policies of the Central Bank of Iran and
co-author of two volume book on the Redesigning of Fiscal relations Between the Central Government
and Municipalities. Mr. Zonooz has written many articles in scientific Journals in English and Persian on
trade and industrial policy.
Malaysian Experience in Moving up the Global value Chain in Resource-Based Industries/
ZAKARIAH ABDUL RASHID
Zakariah Abdul Rashid was formerly the Deputy Dean in the school of Postgraduate Studies of the
Universiti Putra Malaysia and a Professor of Economics in the same university.
In addition to teaching at both undergraduate and graduate levels, publishing many articles and speaking
at seminars and conferences, as well as editing academic journals, he served as Principal Investigator in
many research progects. He served as consultant in many research institutes (ASEAN Secretariat,
ESCAP, ADB. UNIDO, MIER, EPU, UPEN Selangor, UPEN Pahang, UPEN Johor and UPEN Kelantan)
and government task forces, TWG Income distribution and poverty for RMK9. He was invited by the
Chr. Michelsen Institute of Norway to finalize the Social Accounting Matrix (SAM) report. This was
followed by two research works on the Construction of SAM for Income Distribution and the
9
Construction of Selangor Input-Output Table, the Contribution of GLCs on the National Economy for
Khazanah Nasional. He has been awarded as an Outstanding Consultant by the Universiti Putra Malaysia.
His areas of specialization cover: development economics, input-output economics, international
economics, technological obsolescence and change, structural change, Malaysian industrialization,
manpower planning, AFTA comparative advantage, textile industry. Pharmaceutical industry, chemical
industry, Islamic economics, regilnal economics, SAM, income distribution, subsidy and GST reforms,
and minimum wage.
The Asian Model of the Industrial Cluster Policy For the Global Value Chain: Flowchart
Approach Akifumi Kuchiki,
Abstract:
1. Flowchart Approach:
The flowchart approach to industrial cluster policy considers industrial cluster policy to be not a
national industrial policy but a regional growth strategy. A sufficient condition for the successful
implementation is the satisfaction of the conditions of establishing industrial zones, building capacity
such as physical infrastructure and institutions, and inviting anchor firms and their suppliers, in an
efficient order.
2. The automobile industry cluster in Thailand:
This presentation proposes a hypothesis concerning the flowchart approach to industrial cluster
policy. It applies the hypothesis to the automobile industry cluster in the Eastern Seaboard Region of
Thailand. The region is called ‘Detroit in East Asia.’ To facilitate the investment environment for
foreign investors is a key to success in the industrial cluster policy in Asia including Thailand.
3. The electronics industry cluster in Vietnam:
This presentation explains the electronics industry cluster in northern Vietnam where Hanoi and
Haiphong are located at the west and east ends of national highway Route 5. Route 5 is 100 km long
and links Hanoi in the west and Haiphong in the east. Hanoi is the capital of Vietnam and Haiphong
is a port city. Thang Long Industrial Park (TLIP), located in Hanoi, was established by the Sumitomo
Corporation. Nomura Haiphong Industrial Zone (NHIZ), located in Haiphong, was established by the
Nomura Security Company.
This presentation shows the effect of Canon’s participation as an anchor firm in the following way.
Sumitomo Corporation began selling TLIP land lots in 1997. Canon established a facility in TLIP in
April 2001 and began operations in May 2002. Companies that provided parts to Canon decided to
move into TLIP, particularly in 2002. Canon and its related suppliers established factories in TLIP
after Route 5 was constructed and Haiphong Port was rehabilitated.
Mr. Akifumi Kuchiki received his Ph.D in Agricultural Economics from Kyoto University, in 1982.
After his joining to Institute of Developing Economies (IDE) as researcher in 1978, he has gaining
prominent working and academic experience including Visiting Research Fellow, Department of
Economics, University of Pennsylvania (1982-1984), a staff member of Oversea Economic Cooperation
Fund (1889-1891), Senior Economist at the Office of Senior Vice President, World Bank (2000-2002),
Executive Vice President, JETRO (Japan External Trade Organization) (2005-2008) while he taught in
many universities such as Tokyo University as specially-appointed professor, Waseda University, Keio
University and Rikkyo University as adjunct lecturer. After gaining the solid experience, he teaches at
Nihon University as Professor from 2008.
The lab research topics include ‘structural adjustment programs’ by the World Bank, industrial policies
and industrial clusters in Asia using basic economics. More specifically, the clusters are such as the
10
agriculture and food culture industry cluster in Singapore and Hong Kong and the automobile clusters in
Eastern Seaboard region, Thailand, Guangzhou in China and so on. The lab members do research work
on development strategies in China, Thailand and other Asian countries. The role of government is made
clear in the development strategies. He co-edited the four books of ‘Industrial Cluster in Asia’, ‘Flowchart
Approach to Industrial Cluster Policy,’ and ‘From Agglomeration to Innovation’ published by Palgrave
Macmillan and the one book of ‘Industrial Clusters, Upgrading and Innovation in East Asia’ published by
Edward Elgar.
Title: The Roll of environment intelligence and international connectedness in industrial
policy formulation in Iran/ Morteza Imanirad, Siamak Ghasemi
Abstract:This article while disapproving point estimation and planning and consequently industrial
policy making which is traditional approach of conducting the country in Iran, is insisting that industry is
dynamic and it is empowered through its interaction with global system.
Because of the dynamism of the global system and the innate dynamism of industrial development in Iran
(which is the prerequisite of national development) the national economy policy makers are unable to
plan further industrial policies.
Hence the conventional policies (which are still persistently sovereign) not only are unable to solve any of
the numerous problems of the national industries but for several reasons are also rigid obstacles on the
way of national and industrial development of I.R. of Iran.
This article, in addition to mentioning why traditional policies are hindering development process,
presents a model of development which instead of focusing on planning relies on intelligence and
establishment of intelligence systems in industrial development centers.
This system not only has its basis in the modern management theories and has strong compatibility with
the thousand year literature of Iran but also is conforming to the complicated systems of CAS. The major
part of this model has its roots in interaction and industrial intelligence. Its main axes are outlook
creation, international interaction enhancement and export development. The ultimate goal of this model
is to create Industrial Complexity (based on Harvard-MIT Model).
Mr. Imanirad is the faculty member of Industrial Management Institute who teaches economics to
graduate and PHD students.
He has got his PHD in Development and Planning Economics and his master in Economic Sociology
from USA.
He is the Chairman of Bamdad Economic Research Institute and the manager of Economics Research and
Counseling Office.
He was Economics Counselor of Ministry of Industries for 2 years.
He is the author of 5 books on Development and Macro Economics.
He has conducted more than 30 nation wide research on Business Environment and Industries
Competitiveness.
He is the founder of the IMI100. This program, founded in the Industrial Management Institute, selects
the top 100 Iranian Companies annually.
During the last 25 years more than 100 articles, speeches and interviews have been published under his
name.
Presently he is mainly active as International Markets investing counselor in Iran and Canada.
Mr. Siamak Ghasemi is the Managing Director of Bamdad Economic Research Institute.
He is a DBA Candidate at Industrial Management Institute and is also teaching Business Environment
Analysis and Macro Economic at Industrial Management Institute(IMI).
He is the author of several articles on the analysis of global and Iran Economy published in top economic
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journals.
He is also experienced in conducting feasibility studies of investing projects in ICT.
He was active in the field of ICT for 8 years.
He is the economic counselor of prominent industrial organizations and companies.
He is also an experienced International Markets investing Counselor (Forex Market).
Capabilities for Productive Transformation and Employment/ Irmgard Nubler
Abstract: Productive transformation is fundamentally a process of developing productive capacities
through investment in new economic activities, products and technologies, and building domestic
capabilities. These capabilities enable a country to invest, innovate, diversify and to manage productive
transformation processes. The nature and scope of capabilities a country has developed determine the
feasible products and technologies it can develop, and the dynamics, speed and sustainability of the
process. The pattern of structural and technological transformation shapes the quantity and types of jobs a
country can generate.
Capabilities reside in collective forms of knowledge and competences at the level of the labour force,
organisations, enterprises and societies. They are determined by their particular mix of general, technical
and cultural knowledge, and the collective “knowing how to do” embodied in routines, procedures and
institutions. Governments are challenged with formulating a comprehensive learning strategy – at
different places and levels (schools, social networks, industries enterprise, value chains, society) - as part
of their productive transformation strategy with the aim to enhance productivity, create more and better
jobs and achieve other development goals.
Irmgard Nubler is a senior economist in the Economic and Labour Market Analysis Department of the
ILO. She is coordinating the work programme on productive transformation and employment. In this
capacity she undertakes research and technical work, and provides policy advice in the areas of social
capabilities, education and training, institutional and technological development, and structural
transformation. The forthcoming book on Capability for Productive Transformation and Employment
presents her research in these areas. In previous capacities in the ILO and at the International Institute for
Labour Studies she was responsible for research and technical cooperation with a focus on skills
development, training systems, informal economy, social dialogue, and multinational enterprises. Prior to
joining the ILO, Irmgard Nübler held positions as a professor in development economics, institutional
economics and international trade at the Free University of Berlin and at Regensburg University,
Germany, for 15 years. She worked as a research fellow at the economics department of the
Massachusetts Institute of Technologiy (MIT) in Boston, and at the Institute for Development Studies
(IDS) in Nairobi. She received her PhD in Economics at the Free University of Berlin
Iran’s Accession to the World Trade Organization: An Impediment or Catalyst of
Development?/ Sadeg z bigdeli
Abstract: Since Iran was formally as an observer to the World Trade Organization( WTO) in 2005, there
have been heated debates on the opportunities and challenges involved in the country’s accession process.
Both sides of the debates have made exaggerated claims about the pros and cons of accession. On the one
hand, the cheerleaders of globalization have claimed it to be a prerequisite for economic development. On
the other hand, the opponents look at Iran’s accession as an impediment for sustainable pro-employment
growth and development. By examining the range of essential commitments usually made in the process
of accession especially regarding latecomers to the WTO, this article looks at how and under which
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circumstance, Iran’s accession facilitate or impede Iran’s process of industrialization and sustainable
development.
Sadeg z bigdeli has studies law at the universities of Tehran (LL.B. with distinction), Bern (Summa cum
lauda) and Harvard. He has been a member of the faculty of law at the University of Waikato (New
Zealand) since 2010. He is currently chief editor of Waikato Law Review. He has held visiting teaching
and research positions at various US and Swiss universities. He published books with Cambridge Press
and Edward Elgar (as co-editor) and various articles on international economic law. He is currently as
advisor to Iran Organization. In that capacity, he is specifically in charge of Iran’s WTO accession
process as well as bilateral and regional trade negotiation.
Iran Trade Policies Conneecting to the Markets/ Mina Mashayekhi
Head of Trade Negotiations and Commercial Diplomacy Branch at UNCTAD
Mina Mashayekhi is the Head of Trade Negotiations and Commercial Diplomacy Branch (TNCDB) of
UNCTAD’s Division on International Trade in Goods, Services, and Commodities. She holds an LL.B.
from University of Cambridge and an LL.M., from University of London, London School of Economics.
She has pursued doctoral studies at the Graduate Institute of International Studies, Geneva. Her
professional experience encompasses trade policy-oriented analytical work on a variety of issues
including WTO and regional integration, services trade and development as well as intellectual property
issues. She has published articles on trade issues in various journals and UN publications.
Development Strategy and Policies for an Oil Exporting Country, Prospects for
Industrialization and Employment Creation, the case of ISR of Iran/ S.M. Shafaeddin
Abstract: ISR of Iran depends on petroleum for the bulk of its GDP, national income and export
earnings. While petroleum provides ample income and foreign exchanges, it is exhaustible, it provide
little production linkages with the rest of the economy, and it provides little employment for its large and
growing population, including its highly educated youth. The country is currently subject to economic
sanction and suffers from slow growth and high rate of unemployment.
Assuming that the sanction will be eventually removed and the country becomes a member of WTO, the
author raises the question: considering globalization and trade liberalization, what sort of development
strategy and policies the country should formulate and implement in order to enhance its development, to
diversify out of petroleum, and to create employment. To do so, he explains, in particular, required trade,
industrial and technological policies and instructional and organizational arrangements. Further, hi
examines the related prospects and internal and international constraints-including those related to WTO
rules and intra and inter-regional agreements. Finally, he explains how the opportunities could be utilized
and constrains could be resolved by building – up capabilities , before proposing some policy guidelines
and concluding the article.
Mehdi Shafaeddin is a development economist with a D.Phil degree in economic development from
Oxford University, with over 40 years professional experience (in research, teaching and policy advice)
at the national and international levels. He is currently a free- lance international consultant for the UN
and other international organizations. He was affiliated to the Institute of Economic Research, University
of Neuchatel, Switzerland till 2011. Shafaeddin is a former senior economist and Head, Macroeconomic
and Development Policies Branch, Globalization and Development Strategies Division of UNCTAD
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where he worked for about 25 years, had been involved in various development policy issues, analytical
works and training of government officials in capacity building.
In addition to his work for UNCTAD, he has published numerous articles in international economic
journals on various developmental policy issues including trade and industrial policies, development and
diversification of oil exporting and other developing countries, globalization, economic reform and
structural adjustment, competitiveness of China, development problems of Africa, exchange rate and,
primary commodities etc.
His publications include, inter alia: Competitiveness and Development Antem Press, 2012; Trade Policy
at the Crossroads, Recent Experience of Developing Countries (with a foreword by Professor Paul
Streeten), Palgrave, Macmillan, 2005; South-South Regionalism and Trade Cooperation in Asia-Pacific
Region,, 2008, UNDP; “Towards an Alternative Perspective on Trade and Industrial Policies”,
Development and Change, 36(6), 2005: 1143-62,; Trade openness and Industrialization, G24 and the
Third World Network, 2006; Is Industrial Policy Relevant in the 21st Century,(Kuwait, Arab Planning
Institute), May 2006; Political economy of WTO with special reference to NAMA negotiations, The
European Journal of Development Research, April 2010 ….etc.(and numerous articles in international
Journals).
Higher Education and the Development of Capabilities in Iran/ Gholam Ali Farjadi & Ali
Reza Amini
Abstract: In this article we focus on employment development for Iran’s labor force with
college/university education in the industrial sector. We show that the industrial sector has been less than
successful in creating employment for the labor force with college/university education, especially in
comparison with the service sector. We provide a number of policy recommendations on employment
development for the labor force with college/university education, including public sector support for
research and development in manufacturing firms, export oriented trade policy, promoting medium and
large firms, and encouraging the production of high added value products.
Gholam Ali Farjadi is on the economics faculty of the High Institute for Training and Education in
Management and Planning (IRPD) where he has also held the positions of Deputy Director for Training
and Research as well as Director in the past. He has also taught or held management positions at various
academic institutions in Iran and abroad. Dr. Farjadi has several translated and authored books as well as
a number of research articles and influential reports to his credit. He has an undergraduate degree in
economics from University of Tehran and master’s and doctoral degrees in economics from New York
University.
Alirez Amini directs productivity studies at the Institute for Trade Studies and Research. He is an
associate professor of economics and accounting at Islamic Azad University, Central Tehran Branch. He
has a number of articles sand research reports to his credit mostly concentrated on labor market in Iran.
Dr. Amini has held various research positions in the past including the directorship of the Research Group
on Labor Market and Productivity at the Macroeconomic Bureau of the Management and Planning
Organization. He also edited the Quarterly Journal of Economic Research of the Islamic Azad University
between 2007 and 2010.
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An Inclusive Growth Frameworke for Industrial Development/Tim Scott
Economic growth as measured by GDP represents a key means to advancing societal progress and
sustainable development; however, growth alone does not necessarily guarantee positive development
outcomes for society over the long-term – the quality of growth matters. Public policy, including
integrated, cross-ministerial policy making within and across industry, trade, extractives, and linked
sectors, is key to ensuring that growth is also inclusive, job-intensive and environmentally sustainable. At
the same time, the effective management of environmental resources is critical to ensuring sustained
growth. While each country defines its priorities based on national context, the 2030 Agenda reflects this
universal need to consider the linked social, environment, and economic dimensions of development.
Several non-prescriptive policy options and tools can be drawn on to inform Iran’s national trade and
industrial policies in this regard. These include examples from middle- and high-income countries, as well
as green commodities and inclusive green economy approaches supported by the United Nations system
and partners.
Tim Scott, Policy Advisor, Environment, New York Tim Scott serves as Policy Advisor on Environment
with the Sustainable Development Cluster of the Bureau for Policy and Programme Support of the United
Nations Development Programme. He is responsible for ensuring synergies between the work of the
Environment and Natural Capital Team, other environmental programming, and UNDP’s broader work
on the social, economic and governance dimensions of sustainable development. In addition to providing
policy support through UNDP’s environmental and sustainable development portfolio, Tim oversees
UNDP’s inclusive green economy work, and represents UNDP in the Environment Management Group.
Tim has worked for more than fifteen years with UNDP, as well as with the public sector and civil society
on issues of sustainable development and the intersection between environmental sustainability, economic
growth and social progress. His previous UNDP assignments include a focus on green economy (20122014), climate change (2011-2012), human development reports (2004-2011), the MDGs, trade, and
economic management (2001-2004). Tim has published on environment and development themes
including climate change, migration, and human security, and served as Assistant Editor for the Journal of
Human Development (2006-2009). He received BA and MA degrees with high honors from the
Universities of New Hampshire and Virginia.
The Important Role of Women in Iran s Economic and Industrial Policies for Coming
Decade/Nadereh Chamlou
Abstract: This presentation will focus on patterns of male and female economic participation in Iran, and
compares this pattern to that of countries of similar economic development. It will furthermore discuss
the determinants of female labor force participation and the barriers faced by female job seekers and
entrepreneurs. The presentation concludes by presenting the economic gains, and growth of GDP, that is
possible if the female labor force were more effectively engaged in the economy.
Nadereh Chamlou is currently an international development advisor. She was formerly Senior Advisor
to the Chief Economist of the World Bank's Middle East and North Africa (MENA) Region. In her more
three decades with the World Bank she held technical, coordination, managerial, and advisory positions
across the World Bank and International Finance Corporation in such areas as economic management,
private sector development, financial markets, knowledge economy, environmental sustainability,
infrastructure, corporate governance, and gender and development. Her experience extends to Latin
America, East Asia and Pacific, Eastern Europe, and MENA. She co-authored the World Bank flagship
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report on “Corporate Governance: A Framework for Implementation”, which led to her co-founding the
World Bank/OECD sponsored Global Corporate Governance Forum and heading its Secretariat from
1998-2000.
Her research focuses on entrepreneurship and private sector development, particularly on talent pool and
knowledge economy, stressing competitiveness and growth through diversity. She authored “Gender and
Development in the Middle East and North Africa Region – Women in the Public Sphere”; and “The
Environment for Women’s Entrepreneurship in the Middle East and North Africa Region”. She has
contributed numerous articles to journals and speaks frequently at international conferences. Mrs.
Chamlou is a member of the Board of Trustees of the Tunis-based Center for Arab Women’s Training
and Research. She is a founding member of the Gender Economic Research and Policy Analysis for
MENA and a member of its Steering and Advisory Committees; Member of the Board of the Arab
International Women’s Forum; Member of the Board of the Iranian International Economic Association
(IIEA); Advisor to the Center for International Private Enterprise (CIPE); Founder of the Persianate
Global Network (PGN) for Women’s Economic Empowerment; Board Member of the newly established
West Asia Council. She was Adjunct Professor at New York University’s Wagner School of Public
Policy; member of the scientific committee of the Dutch Gender Task Force; and a member of the
International Advisory Committee of Nyenrode University in the Netherlands. She has a B.S. in Foreign
Service and a M.A. in Economics from Georgetown University.
Human Capital and Scale Economies as Drivers of Employment and Exports in Iran/
Hamid R. Ashrafzadeh & Pooya Alaedini
Abstract: In this paper, we estimate translog production and cost functions for Iran’s industrial
subsectors to derive total factor productivity, efficiency, and economies of scale. We further assess the
impacts of these factors as well as human capital on total employment of the industrial sector and on the
employment of each subsector and its exports. Our results indicate that scale economies have positive and
strong effects on employment and industrial exports, while the effects of this factor on individual
subsectors are asymmetric. For a number of subsectors, scale economies reduce exports, which is an
unfortunate indicator for Iran’s industrial sector. We show that human capital has positive and significant
effects on both exports and employment. These results suggest that the government should invest in
enhancing human capital and pursue an active role in boosting economies of scale, efficiency, and
productivity in the industrial sector. The government may subsequently reduce its intervention in the
industrial sector when optimal combinations of exports and economies of scale are realized.
Name: Seyyed Hamid Reza Ashrafzadeh
Born: 1956
Education: BS from Shahid Beheshti University
Ms from Tehran University
Ph.D from Tarbiat Modares University
Expert Field: Econometrics of Panel Data; Macroeconomic Research; International Trade
Working Experience: 30 years as researches in Institute for Trade Studies and Research
Publication: In Various Field Including International Trade Law; International Trade Policy and Theory;
Export Oriented Industrialization; Industrial Policy; Industrial Sectors of Iran; WTO.
Pooya Alaedini is a scholar and practitioner of international development, with a decade-long focus on
urban and regional planning in the Middle East and Central Asia/Caucasus. An associate professor of
social planning at the University of Tehran's Faculty of Social Sciences, he has served as a consultant to
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the World Bank, the UN, the International Labor Organization, and the International Organization for
Migration. His publications, including a dozen peer-reviewed articles, two books and several published
reports, have focused on high-impact development strategies and issues as well as evaluation of major
development programs. Dr. Alaedini holds an undergraduate degree in mathematical sciences from Ohio
State University and master’s degrees in civil/transportation engineering and economics from Ohio State
University and University of Delaware. He wrote a noted dissertation on industrialization in Iran for his
PhD in urban planning and policy development at Rutgers University, and conducted research on
comparative development policies at the United Nations University/Institute of Advanced Studies in
Tokyo as a post-doctoral fellow
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