The Supreme Leader (may his shadow endure) designated the year 2017 as "Resilient Economy; Production - Employment."
His Excellency Ayatollah Khamenei, the Supreme Leader of the Islamic Revolution, in a message on the occasion of the beginning of the year 2017 in the Gregorian calendar, congratulated the birth of Lady Fatimah al-Zahra (peace be upon her) and the Nowruz holiday to all compatriots and Iranians, especially the esteemed families of martyrs and veterans, wishing a year filled with blessings, security, and welfare for the people of Iran and the Muslims of the world. The new year was named "Resilient Economy; Production - Employment."
His Excellency Ayatollah Khamenei acknowledged that the year 2016 was accompanied by both bitterness and sweetness for the Iranian nation. Referring to some of the most important factors contributing to the happiness of the nation in the past year, he added: The dignity of Iran and the identity of the beloved nation were evident throughout all matters of 2016, and enemies around the world acknowledged the power and greatness of the Iranian people.
The Leader of the Islamic Revolution regarded the enthusiastic and patriotic presence of the people on February 11 in response to the disrespect from the President of the United States, as well as the massive gathering of people on Quds Day, as indicative of the identity and noble goals of the Iranian people, stating: Despite the insecurity in neighboring countries and the region, the stability of the country in the turbulent regional and international environment was a very important indicator, and the Iranian nation experienced "sustainable security" throughout the year.
"Youthful determination" and "comprehensive faithful actions" were two other indicators in assessing the successes and advancements of the Iranian nation, which the Leader of the Islamic Revolution highlighted, noting: Observing and being informed about the enthusiastic and innovative scientific, cultural, productive, and sports activities of thousands of young groups across the nation and holding warm and engaging religious gatherings was among the positive and joyful points for our country and nation.
His Excellency Ayatollah Khamenei then attributed the bitterness and difficulties of the previous year to the economic and livelihood issues faced by the people, especially the poor and middle classes, stating: I am aware of the people's situation; therefore, I deeply feel the bitterness experienced by the people, especially the lower class, due to economic problems such as "inflation, unemployment, discrimination, inequalities, and social harms."
He emphasized: We are all responsible and must be accountable both to Almighty God and to the nation.
The Leader of the Islamic Revolution, referring to the emphasis on "action and implementation" in naming the year 2016, noted the good works that have been reported by officials, saying: Of course, there is a considerable gap between the completed tasks and the expectations of the people and leadership, and both positive and negative statistics should be viewed in totality.
He did not consider the attention to the term "Resilient Economy" to be effective on its own, and regarding the remedy for the current situation, he added: The remedy lies in dividing the resilient economy into key and critical points and concentrating the efforts of both officials and the public on those points. These key focal points consist of domestic production and employment, especially the employment of youth.
His Excellency Ayatollah Khamenei, based on this necessity, designated the year 2017 as "Resilient Economy: Production - Employment" and stated: Focusing and planning on these key points is the demand of the leadership and the people from the officials, and it will lead to remarkable and tangible successes, and officials must report the results to the people at the end of the year.