TEHRAN – The Supreme Leader has outlined the general policies of the country’s sixth five-year development plan, which starts from 2016 to 2021.

The development plan, announced to the president for implementation, lays out roadmap for national progress.

Ayatollah Khamenei said the document has been prepared after comprehensive studies and consultation with the Expediency Council.

Comprising 80 provisions, the plan is based on three pillars: resistance economy, progress in science and technology, and cultural excellence.

The Leader said the policies have been formulated based on the realities on the ground both at home and abroad in such a way that they could be materialized in a five-year period.

Reaching the goals of the 6th five-year development program will help develop a model of progress derived from Islamic thoughts and fully independent from capitalism.

According to the general policies, the country’s economic growth should continue steadily and rapidly with an average rate of 8 percent during the five-year period.

The document also highlights the need for cultural efforts to promote the values of the Islamic Revolution and the Sacred Defense (Iraqi imposed war on Iran in the 1980s). And on science, the plan notes that Iran should gain the first place in the region in terms of progress in science and technology.

On defense and security, the proclamation necessitates an upgrade in defense capabilities by allocating at least 5 percent of the national budget to boosting the defense power.

It also puts an emphasis on upgrading Iran’s deterrent power through development of missile capabilities, defensive technologies and production of major defensive weapons proportional to different types of threats.

On foreign policy, the plan urges tactics to broaden Iran’s political achievements in Southwest Asia, and prioritizes economic diplomacy to boost foreign investment.

It further calls for attempts to promote Islamic lifestyle in the society.

MD/PA