Memoirs of Akbar Hashemi - August 1, 2001 - Approval of Articles from National Security Policies in the Economic Sector

Hashemi's speech at the opening of the North American Muslim Physicians Association.

Approval of articles from national security policies in the economic sector.

Meeting with Ahmad Motahari, the head of the Tehran Stock Exchange, and a report on the activities and outlook of the stock market.

Full Text of the Daily Entry:

In the morning, I went to the International Conference Center of IRIB to open the conference of the North American Muslim Physicians Association. Dr. [Mohammad Hossein] Niknam, [the regional president of the biennial conference], welcomed the attendees and outlined the program. I delivered an extensive speech on the role of Islam and Iran in preserving and promoting sciences, including medicine, and transferring it to the West. I expressed hope that once again, the Islamic world would become a center for science and highlighted the significant and effective role of the Islamic Revolution in this process. My speech impacted hundreds of doctors and their families, and they expressed positive sentiments. Iftah accompanied me.

I went to my office. The Expediency Council was in session. We approved two articles of the national security policies concerning the economic sector. In the afternoon, Mr. [Ahmad] Motahari, the head of the Tehran Stock Exchange, came and reported on the stock market's performance, which is relatively good. He mentioned that their main problem is the low number of accepted companies in the stock exchange—about 300 companies out of six thousand in the country. He stated that the demand for shares is high while the supply is low, which continuously drives up stock prices and yields significant profits for buyers and brokers. He sought advice and assistance for establishing a commodities stock market, including for oil, agricultural, and metal goods, noting that the stock market's boom still relies on the policies and support from your presidency, which began in 1989, revitalizing a previously stagnant market.

Saeed [Lahouti], Fati, and Ali came by. They returned from Umrah and were pleased with their journey.