Tehran Stock Exchange
The Tehran Stock Exchange was first conceptualized in 1936, with research being carried out with regard to the feasibility of establishing a stock exchange. World War II put the idea on hold, but after the ratification of the Stock Exchange Act in 1967, the Tehran Stock Exchange, or TSE, was officially opened in 1968. During its starting years, the TSE only dealt with Government bonds and specific traded certificates that were backed by the State. In the 1970’s the economy started to change, as more privately owned firms and companies started to expand the market and increased the demand for stocks. The TSE began to witness a growth in activity in relation to the stock markets and the restoration of the economy. The Tehran Stock Exchange is overseen by a council that consists of the Governor of the Central Bank that presides, specialists, representatives of the private sector and state officials. Clearing is assisted by an automated operating system called CDS. Computer services to the TSE, is provided by the TSESC, meaning TSE Services Company. Indices such as TEDPIX, Main Board Index, Secondary Board Index, Wax Index and Industrial Index, are available. Some examples of companies that are listed on the Tehran Stock Exchange include Plastiran, Carbon Iran, Naft Pars, Absal and Varziran.
The industrial sector of Iran plays a vital role in the production of vegetable oil, textiles, sugar refining, food processing and metal fabrications. Even though the agricultural sector of the economy does not produce enough crops to sustain the country, it does have agricultural farms that contribute dairy products, sugar beets, rice, nuts, grains, wheat, cotton, wool and fruit.
Iran’s most important export markets are in Spain, Belgium, Netherlands, Japan, Germany, France and Italy. Products that are exported include nuts, carpets, petroleum, steel, iron, hides and fruit. Oil is Iran’s major export product estimated at 85% – 90 % of its toal export commodity. Iran imports products from the UAE, Germany, Italy, France and the United Kingdom. Imported products from these countries include the import of refined oil products, military supplies, food, pharmaceuticals, technical services, machinery and metal works.