Ministry of Culture is on the path of the Seventh Plan’s goals / Government’s decision on paper

Mohsen Javadi, in an interview with a reporter from the Iran Book News Agency (IBNA), referring to the approach of the Deputy for Cultural Affairs of the Minister of Culture and Islamic Guidance regarding Iran’s presence in international events, stated: In this area, the Deputy’s approach is that if Iranian publishing does not develop culturally and economically in the international arena by expanding Iranian culture outside of Iran, and does not extend beyond Iran, it will not flourish much domestically either.

He continued by stating that the prosperity and flourishing of Iranian publishing depend on creating a suitable environment outside of Iran: To create such an environment, we must participate in exhibitions, and in addition, pay attention to areas such as fellowships to present literature, poetry, and products in the fields of thought and philosophy internationally, sell copyright, and be more economically active.

Javadi added: However, the prerequisite for implementing such discussions depends on not lagging behind the international publishing caravan, and having appropriate interaction in terms of publishing form and content.

He brought up the issue that actions had been taken before but were halted at certain points, saying: An example of Iran’s international activities in the field of publishing is participation in the Frankfurt International Book Fair. We had not participated in this event for several years, but this year we made an effort and participated at an initial level in the Frankfurt Book Fair 2025. It is planned that next year we will participate in this event in a better way.

Javadi continued by stating that the path to participation in some exhibitions had been closed in recent years: For example, we had not been present at the Algiers Book Fair for many years, but we successfully participated in this event in early Aban (October/November) this year. We were also invited to participate in the Jeddah Book Fair.

According to him, the main goal of participating in international book events is the rapid introduction of Iranian thought worldwide; just like in previous centuries when Avicenna’s books quickly traveled from Hamedan to other cities and countries, this shows that Iranians have historically sought to develop and expand sciences. Therefore, in the Ministry of Culture and Islamic Guidance and the Deputy for Cultural Affairs, we believe that such an environment must be revived.

He explained in this regard: Iranian publishing, which carries Iranian thought and ideas, must have international feedback. Of course, this path is accompanied by many difficulties, such as enemy sanctions, but the Ministry of Culture and Islamic Guidance’s effort is to, as far as possible, free culture from these problems and difficulties and have a more effective presence in international spaces.

We are moving on the path of the Seventh Plan

Javadi, regarding the extent of achieving the Seventh Plan’s goals in the publishing sector, said: The main headings of the Minister of Culture and Islamic Guidance’s programs are derived from or consistent with the cultural segment of the Seventh Plan; including cultural justice, cultural popularization, and attention to new technologies in publishing.

He added: All these issues are present in the Seventh Plan and are among the duties and requirements of the Ministry of Culture and Islamic Guidance. For example, the Seventh Plan also includes “expansion of Iranian culture and literature abroad”; therefore, I can say that the path we are currently taking is aligned with the Seventh Plan.

Javadi, stating that he does not want to say that they have fully realized the plan, continued: We had a good start this year; such as holding the first Iran Publishing Fellowship at the Tehran International Book Fair, which was a good step towards internationalizing Iranian culture and publishing, or the popularization of provincial exhibitions.

He said: Of course, the path of the Ministry of Culture and Islamic Guidance is the path of the Seventh Plan; although conditions also arose that were not foreseen in the Seventh Plan; such as war. But the path of the Ministry of Culture and Islamic Guidance is the path of the Seventh Plan, and I hope that at the next opportunity we can proudly say how much we have advanced each section. The current figures are not satisfactory because we could not proceed with those indicators, but the path is a good one, and given the limitations, these figures are good.

Paper imports will accelerate

The Deputy Minister for Cultural Affairs of the Ministry of Culture and Islamic Guidance, also explained the Ministry of Culture’s policies in the field of paper: Paper is one of the main requirements for books and periodicals. Unfortunately, we do not have a good situation regarding paper, and one of the reasons is that over the past four or five years, due to some limitations, no special allocation or credit was provided for the paper sector, except for one instance of paper import with government currency which led to a legal entanglement, and they could not provide the paper to the Deputy for Cultural Affairs.

He stated that the seized consignment is about 13,000 tons, and the release of about 5,000 tons is on the verge of a final verdict, adding: Of course, legal processes take several years, but we are making every effort to speed up the work. I hope this limited opportunity for objection ends, and we can take delivery of the consignment.

Javadi, referring to the Minister of Culture’s plan and efforts in the field of paper supply, said: Given the uncertain time of delivery of the seized papers and their quantity not being sufficient to meet publishers’ needs, it was decided that the government would foresee a plan and, with the help of cooperatives and professional associations in the publishing sector that are in contact with guilds, take actions in the field of imports.

He added: It was decided that two actions would be taken by the Ministry of Culture and Islamic Guidance; first, accelerating the registration of import orders; because this process takes several months. Second; for some importers whose import quotas have expired, negotiations should be held so that they can import paper and provide it to publishing professional associations.

The Deputy Minister for Cultural Affairs of the Ministry of Culture and Islamic Guidance said: We have received various proposals so far and are currently reviewing them. I hope that in the coming weeks, we will be able to supply enough paper for the industry for the next year’s needs.

Policy of reducing costs for Tehran Book Fair

Javadi, further regarding the cultural deputy’s programs for reducing and optimizing the costs of the Tehran International Book Fair, said: The Tehran Book Fair is a reputable event. The principle of holding the Tehran Book Fair is one of our legal duties, which we perform, but we pursue enhancing quality and strengthening adherence to international standards in events such as the Tehran Publishing Fellowship and making a stronger presence in international events.

According to him, they are also trying to provide more access to books for readers and students, as well as a good opportunity to present and display Iranian books.

Javadi added: To reduce costs and strengthen the publishing economy from this event, there are various ways that we are currently reviewing and discussing based on this year’s experience, such as finding sponsors who can enter this cycle and provide subsidies so that we can provide more subsidies with less cost to book lovers.

He stated that in the coming days, the selection of the fair’s president and the selection of the president and members of the policy-making council will also take place, saying: In the year 1404 (2025), a good exhibition was held, but we faced problems in settling and paying debts, which is partly due to resource limitations, which despite efforts, is affected by the country’s macroeconomic problems; however, a large part of the debts have been settled, and a small amount remains.

Ministry of Culture’s policies for reviving the Persian language in the world

The Cultural Deputy Minister of Culture and Islamic Guidance further spoke about the importance of the Persian language, saying: Language is the identity, culture, and turning point of a nation. We do not view the Persian language merely as a means of communication, because it is the several-thousand-year-old heritage of this country. Mysticism in Persian, literature, art, and science all exist in this language, and it should not be ignored.

He continued: The main approach of the Ministry of Culture and Islamic Guidance is to pay attention to the expansion and spread of the Persian language, especially for the new generation. We also pursue strengthening and preserving its authenticity and correct writing in this area.

According to Javadi, they are even seeking to internationalize it to revive the Persian language. In the new structure of the Ministry of Culture and Islamic Guidance, more attention will be paid to literature and poetry, and I hope that the prosperity and glory of Iran, one of its main components being the prosperity and glory of the Persian language, will regain strength.