TEHRAN During the country's Third National Economic and Social Development Plan (2000-2005), civil institutions will be supported and vested with more executive powers, said Abdolreza Sepahvand, deputy minister of mines and industries for administrative and financial affairs on Sunday during the first gathering on industrial associations in Mashhad.

The chairman of executive board of mines and industrial establishments added that the presence of industrial entrepreneurs as well as experts in these organizations will be fruitful.

At present, there is a critical situation because of economic insecurity and lack of raw materials in the country, Sepahvand said.

He said that the country's policy on mines and industries is based on support for the country's expert associations, adding that currently some 202 mines and industrial units have received licenses. He also said that industrial establishments have been set up in 23 provinces, and that these establishments would be set up in all provinces by the end of the current year.

He concluded that executive powers would gradually be transferred to the civil institutions.