Iran has a mixed and transition economy with some 80 million population and access to 400 million people market in its neighboring countries. Regarding Iran's geographical position, it can play the role of gateways into Central Asian countries very effectively.
There are over 40 industries directly involved in the Tehran Stock Exchange, one of the best performing exchanges in the world over the past decades. It is the world's eighteenth largest by purchasing power parity (PPP) and twenty-seventh by nominal gross domestic product. The country is a member of Next Eleven because of its high development potential.
Iran ranked first in scientific growth in the world in 2011 and has one of the fastest rates of development in telecommunication globally.
Sectors of the Economy
Agriculture and Foodstuffs
Agriculture contributes over 11% to the gross national product and employs a third of the labor force. Wheat, rice barley, corn, cotton, sugar beets, tea, hemp, tobacco, fruits, potatoes, legumes (beans and lentils), vegetables, fodder plants (alfalfa and clover), almonds, walnuts and spices including cumin and sumac are among the most important produces in the country. Iran is the world's largest producer of saffron, pistachios, honey, berberis and berries and the second largest date producer. Meat and dairy products include lamb, goat meat, beef, poultry, milk, eggs, butter and cheese.
Non-food products include wool, leather and silk. At the north of country, rivers drain into the Caspian Sea and are fished for salmon, carp, trout, pike and sturgeon that produce caviar, of which Iran is the largest producer. Iran is 90% self-sufficient in essential agricultural products
Manufacturing
Iran's major manufactured products are petrochemicals, steel and copper products. Other important manufactures include automobiles, home and electric appliances, telecommunications equipment, cement and industrial machinery. Iran operates the largest operational population of industrial robots in West Asia. Other products include paper, rubber products, processed foods, leather products and pharmaceuticals.
Handicrafts
Iran has a long tradition of producing artisanal goods including Persian carpets, ceramics, copperware, brassware, glass, leather goods, textiles and wooden artifacts. The country's carpet-weaving tradition dates from pre-Islamic times and remains an important industry contributing substantial amounts to rural incomes. An estimated 1.2 million weavers in Iran produce carpets for domestic and international export markets.
Automobile Manufacturing
As of 2001, 13 public and privately owned automakers are active within the country, led by Iran Khodro and Saipa.
Construction and Real Estate
Dam Building Industry
Mines and Metals
Iran is ranked among the world's 15 major mineral-rich countries. The main minerals include coal, iron ore, copper, lead, zinc, chromium, barite, salt, gypsum, molybdenum, strontium, silica, uranium, and gold
Iran became self-sufficient in steel in 2009. Iran’s Cement is exporting to some 40 countries.
Petrochemicals
Services
Energy, Gas and Petroleum
With 10 percent of the world's proven oil reserves and 15 percent of its gas reserves, Iran is considered an "energy superpower". It has fifth highest total estimated value of natural resources, valued at US$27.3 trillion in 2016.
Transport