Businessweek: Iran the Mideast's model economy?

http://www.iranexpert.com/2004/economy19may.htm

Date: 05/19/2004 04:04:44 Business Week

Iran: The Mideast's Model Economy?

Not long ago, it was a basket case. But now growth is strong as oil prices soar and Tehran eases restrictions

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It's one of the strangest paradoxes in the Mideast. One goal of the U.S. invasion of Iraq was to turn Baghdad into a model regional economy. But could it be that Iran, a charter member of George W. Bush's axis of evil, will wind up filling that role? It's a distinct possibility. Siamak Namazi, managing director of Tehran-based business consultants Atieh Bahar, ticks off several factors that could lead to a sustained growth spurt in Iran if the country's leaders play their cards right. To start with, Iran has the region's largest market, with a population of 69 million. High oil prices are providing Iran with substantial revenues (chart), and the country has massive gas reserves to tap for industrial projects.

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