Investigating the Effect of Sanctions on the Business Environment of the I.R. of Iran and proposing solutions to reduce their impacts

The imposition of sanctions is not a new phenomenon for the Islamic Republic of Iran. In fact, due to the historical weaknesses of the Iranian national economy, the country’s adversaries have utilized the best course of action to disrupt its economy and business environment. In this study, we have examined the effect of sanctions on the business environment of Iran and have provided solutions to reduce their impacts. After categorizing sanctions, “ten indicators of ease of doing business” and “PEST Analysis” were utilized to survey the business environment. Subsequently, the mechanism by which sanctions impact the business environment were investigated. Thereafter, by drawing on the obtained information, appropriate solutions for reducing the impacts of sanctions on business environment were proposed. The modus operandi of this research was as follows: after designing the questionnaire, it was presented to the experts _ more specifically, two experts in with the relevant knowledge were interviewed. Then, the T-Test and Friedman tests were deployed to analyze the data. Results of the survey show that sanctions have a greater impact that any other factors in affecting exchange rates, economic growth, and relations with international trading partners. Furthermore, the most effective strategies to reduce the impact of sanctions were found to be those that can help lay the ground for the implementation of “General Policies of the Resistance Economy”, strengthening knowledge-based companies, reforming the country's business environment, and reducing the number and categories of permits and licenses issued by the government.