SWOT

Javad Tahmasebi/Editor-in -chief

Numerous challenges facing Iran's economy have put forward the necessity to have a closer look at current conditions including strengths and weaknesses, together with future outlook comprising threats and opportunities. Bestowed with natural resources and young talented human capital, Iran enjoys strengths which many countries are envious of. At the same time, the nightmare of stagflation, laggard technology and stagflation resulting from mismanagements and intensified by international sanctions blur the current picture. As it can be observed in this issue's articles, there are obvious challenges and threats on Iran's road to prosperity the most important of which is youth unemployment. Education has so far served as a façade to postpone the emergence of the problem for decades. Yet those involved in education have reached final destination and are about to join the labour market. Even the boom in production sector may find it difficult to accommodate a large number of PhD holders in the years to come. Therefore, it is vital for both economists and policy makers in Iran to join hands and unravel the opportunities so that they can identify the best ones. A favourable conclusion to nuclear negotiations and establishment of stronger friendship with the rest of the world can serve the purpose. Regular visits by foreign investors from regional and western countries provide unique chances to consolidate bonds and recent trips by Arab officials and business people can reopen the long established relations. New mechanisms need to be designed so that the new relations will be so strong that they will never be affected by occasional adversities.