The Iranian government is trying to create more favorable conditions for foreign investors. In line with this policy, authorities will present 16 investment projects with a total budget of $5.2 billion. The President is seeking to keep his pledge and to get economy back on track. To achieve this goal, Iran has to attract foreign investors who are deterred by international economic sanctions and low oil prices. Teheran is in treaty with major world powers about its controversial nuclear program, and it is trying to reach an agreement on final lifting of sanctions. According to Iranian officials, some of the projects are focused on development of such industries as metal and energy production with the aim to involve investors and partners in business. The new deals will include a steel plant project worth $975 million, a power plant with a capacity of 1,000 MW ($900 mln), and an aluminum plant ($824 mln), respectively. The government offers favorable conditions but many companies still hesitate to sign preliminary agreements, while there is no confidence in positive results of nuclear talks. Importantly, earlier foreign investors participated only in exploration and development of oil fields, and they received a fixed rate of return but they do not hold assets and subsoil interests.
