The tourism sector in the Iranian year 1379 (ended 20 March 2001) generated close to $800 million in hard currency revenues, deputy head of the Iran Travel and Tourism Organization (ITTO), Nasrollah Mostowfi announced on 2 September 2001.

Compared to past years, Iran’s standing in global tourism improved in 1379 by four and nine ranks in terms of number of arrivals and revenues earned respectively, Mr. Mostowfi added.

Pointing to the fact that Iran has some of the world’s most famous tourist and historical sites as well as cultural attractions, he urged relevant authorities to help pave the way for further development of the tourism industry.

Tax Organization established

With the approval of this bill, all activities of the Financial Affairs Department of the Ministry will be transferred to the Tax Organization.

The Tax Organization will be affiliated to the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Finance. The headquarter of the Organization will be located in Tehran and will be in charge of policy making as well as tax collection.

The Tax Organization will have a separate annual budget and will be in charge of implementation of taxation laws, surveying and studying obstacles existing in the taxation system, as well as suggesting policies for the improvement of the taxation system.

$10.8 billion in domestic oil subsidies

Mr. Aqaie stated that export of oil derivatives in the current Iranian year (ending 20 March 2002), reached 42 million liters, of which 2.2 million liters was related to kerosene and gasoil.

Mr. Aqaie said that in 1379 (ended 20 March 2001), $500 million worth of imported gas was used in the country and will be reaching $600 million by the end of the current Iranian year.