Events | Number 3, December 2003

Happy New Year

Editor-in-Chief
Khodadad Movaghar

The third issue of EVENTS goes to the printers at a time when we are close to the end of the year 2003. It is apt then that we should begin this issue by wishing all the Christians of the world a Merry Christmas and the
whole world a Happy New Year.

In this issue we briefly introduce the Iranian petrochemical industry to our readers. The country has great hopes and expectations for the future of its petrochemical industry because it has vast gas reserves, and
natural gas is an ideal feedstock for the industry. In fact Iran is the second largest country of the world as far as gas reserves are concerned, next only to Russia.

The country’s largest shipping company, the Islamic Republic of Iran Shipping Lines, is actually a holding company with many subsidiaries. From a modest company it has grown into an internationally recognized entity
for which the Iranian market provides a small business partner. The company ships goods from one end of the world to another quite independently of the Iranian market and state.

Mandaeans are quiet, peaceful and simple people who are followers of John the Baptist and who always live near rivers and brooks because the ritual of baptism – baptizing themselves and being baptized – makes up an important part of their lives. The article in this issue is an attempt at introducing this minority to the nation and to the world at large and to help preserve the identity of this small (25,000) ethnic group in Iran.

In a free market economy the cooperative system can play a significant role if given the chance. But this sector has not been very active in Iran so far although great emphasis has been laid on it by the authorities
from time to time. The author explains how it can be properly put to work to consolidate the economy.

Iran has gained much experience in the design and implementation of dams, irrigation networks and water
treatment plants. Mahab Ghodss, for example, is a consultancy firm specializing in water and hydrology that
has made some remarkable achievements. The interview with the managing director gives an indication of Iran’s potentials in this area.

On 25th and 26th October a Conference was held in Tehran on Human Resource Development, and it is planned to be held every year in the future. Some of our readers may like to participate next year.