Mr. Mahmoudreza Sanatkar, in an exclusive interview with the press team of the Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting (IRIB) and on the sidelines of the first ceremony honoring pioneers and gathering professionals of Iran’s stationery industry (Yad Negar), said that the Ministry of Industry, Mine and Trade (MIMT) and the Headquarters for Combating Smuggling of Goods and Foreign Exchange have provided significant support to stationery manufacturers, contributing to the growth of the industry.
He said that the country has achieved complete self-sufficiency in most stationery products, including various types of pens, pencils, notebooks, erasers, pencil cases, and markers, and is now able to meet 100 percent of domestic demand.
Sanatkar added that some companies even export their surplus stationery production to target markets.
He stated that manufacturers in this industry receive foreign currency through the NIMA system; however, the Central Bank does not provide the necessary cooperation and support in allocating and supplying foreign currency. In some cases, delays in currency allocation have resulted in manufacturers’ raw materials being held at customs for up to six months.
He added that at the beginning of the new academic year, several stationery production lines were shut down or operated at reduced capacity because the Central Bank failed to allocate foreign currency on time. This situation caused difficulties for students during the first days of the school year.
Sanatkar said that 130 stationery manufacturers are currently active under the Association of Employers and Manufacturers of Stationery Products of Iran.
In response to reports that some stationery manufacturers import Chinese products and market them under Iranian brands, the Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Association of Employers and Manufacturers of Stationery Products of Iran explained that the number of such manufacturers is limited. They are commonly referred to as “underground manufacturers” or “pseudo-manufacturers.” These individuals import finished goods or components, assemble them, and then sell them to consumers as Iranian-made products.
It is worth noting that the first ceremony honoring pioneers and gathering professionals of Iran’s stationery industry was held in Tehran on Thursday evening.
During the ceremony, a prominent figure who is regarded as one of the pioneers and founders of Iran’s stationery industry and has worked in the sector for more than 50 years was honored.
Honoring three pioneers of the industry, as well as the families of three other pioneers who have passed away, were also among the programs of the first ceremony honoring pioneers and gathering professionals of Iran’s stationery industry.
For the photo report of the event, click here.
