Introducing the National Investment Data Portal: Boosting Transparency forGlobal Investors and Local Entrepreneurs
One of the important initiatives that the Law on Procurement of Production and
Infrastructure has introduced is the launch of an Investment Information Portal. Under
Chapter 5, titled “Facilitating Foreign Financial Procurement and Establishing
Anonymous Investment Packages,” Article 25 mandated the Organization for
Investment and Technical and Economic Assistance, in collaboration with the
Chamber of Commerce, Industries, Mines, and Agriculture, the Chamber of
Cooperation, and the Iran Chamber of Guilds, to create an electronic infrastructure
designated as the “Comprehensive National Investment Data Portal.”
The executive guideline of this article has been adopted recently, providing detailed
information about the aims and mechanisms of the upcoming portal. Among other
goals, facilitating access to information for investors and policymakers, enhancing
planning and competitiveness in Iran’s investment landscape, promoting
transparency, and accelerating the evaluation process of investment plans have been
mentioned as the primary objectives of this portal. Another noteworthy aspect is that
investors will have access to all pertinent laws and guidelines regarding economic
activities and investments, including their most recent amendments.
According to Note 1 of Article 25, investors will have free access to information
regardless of their nationality. The guideline further indicates that information will be
provided in at least three languages: Persian, Arabic, and English.
Inserting information in this portal requires validation from the highest relevant
executive authority; nonetheless, it is not clear how this mechanism can be applied to
foreign investors. Moreover, the failure to submit investment project information by the
government or other legal entities is not prohibited. In other words, there is no legal
obligation to participate in this portal.
In sum, while the establishment of the Comprehensive Investment Information Portal
is a positive step toward improving Iran’s investment landscape for both foreign investors and local entrepreneurs, certain shortcomings may affect its full impact. First,
the non-mandatory nature of participation in the platform can undermine transparency.
Second, no penalties are envisaged for providing false information, weakening the
portal’s credibility. By addressing these two drawbacks, this portal can play a stronger
role in improving Iran’s investment climate and attracting foreign capital.
