Coronavirus in Iran: Two million and 600 thousand jobs at risk
The further spread of the coronavirus on the eve of Nowruz has put many jobs and trades at risk. The deputy head of the Iranian Chamber of Commerce and Industry said that more than 2.6 million jobs in Iran have been negatively affected by the coronavirus.
Seyyed Hamid Kalantari, head of the Iranian Productivity Association, also says that "Corona is a phenomenon that has not been similar in the last few centuries," and that some businesses related to essential household needs have flourished, while others, such as tourism and restaurants, have declined.
The widespread spread of the coronavirus ahead of Nowruz shopping has also raised concerns among government leaders, who have opposed the closure of markets and the quarantine of cities and provinces.
Iranian President Hassan Rouhani said on Sunday, March 15, after a joint meeting of the government's economic headquarters and representatives of economic activists: "Economic activity must be normal and we must not allow any problems to arise in the field of economic activity."
Rouhani also opposed the imposition of any quarantine, saying: "We do not have such a thing as quarantine. The rumor that some stores and businesses in Tehran or some cities are quarantined does not exist at all. There is no quarantine today, nor during Nowruz, nor before or after it, and everyone is free to do their business and activities."
Despite the opposition of the leaders of the Islamic Republic of Iran to the country's quarantine and market closure, there is no sign of enthusiasm for Eid shopping in Iranian markets.
Hoshyar Faqihi, Deputy Director of Economy and Planning at the Chamber of Guilds, criticized the government's lack of proper planning for guilds, saying that there is no proper view of guilds in the country's planning and macroeconomic system.
According to Faghihi, more than 1.8 million licensed trade units play a role in the economy in Iran, and it is estimated that about 500,000 trade units operate without a license. Estimates indicate that there is a possibility of unemployment for 2.6 million workers in trade units.
The deputy head of economics and planning at the Iranian Chamber of Guilds continued to emphasize that guilds earn the most during Eid. He noted: "Guilds earn profits in two periods of the year; once when schools are about to start in Mehr and once on Eid night. During these two periods, guilds seek to make a profit and cover and compensate for their overhead costs. In many sectors, such as clothing or services such as carpet cleaning, they increase their manpower on Eid night so that they can have sales in proportion to the market volume in the last month of the year."
According to Faghihi, due to the outbreak of the coronavirus, these trade units were unable to achieve their set goals and plans, suffered damage, and faced issues related to securing the capital needed to maintain employment and continue their activities.
In order to overcome the economic problems caused by the coronavirus, the guilds expect Mr. Rouhani's government to rush to their aid. The deputy head of the Iranian Chamber of Commerce and Industry has made specific requests in this regard. He said that the government should decide on insurance exemptions and water, electricity, and gas bills, as well as tax exemptions, and consider creating a credit line for low-cost facilities.
Source: DW
