Weekly Journal
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Monday
5 July 2004 Some of the latest developments in Iran are that: The world’s biggest petrochemical towers have been installed at Pars Special Economic Energy Zone in the southern city of Assalouyeh; Iran’s steel exchange is unique in the world; a new gas field has been discovered in the Iranian southern island of Lavan; Iran’s first geothermal power plant will come on stream; oil pipeline via Iran is better than Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan; Iran can compete in energy markets by selling liquefied natural gas; the northern Iranian port city of Anzali is prepared to resume the transit of oil products; over 200 people from the Asian energy circle will gather in Tehran in July to discuss issues on Asia’s energy situation; more than 1000 Iranian and non-Iranian companies active in oil industry will take part in the 9th international oil and gas and petrochemical exhibition in Tehran in July; Tehran is also going to host international telecommunications seminar; Iran’s industrial and petrochemical goods stand at 67 percent of non-oil exports; Iran’s Bank Saderat and Bank Melli and Bahrain’s al-Ahli United Bank are going to form a joint venture bank called Future Bank; over 92 million dollars worth of pistachios have been exported from Iran in April and March this year; Japan is ready to participate in Iran’s metals stock exchange; A German politico-economic delegation visited southern Iranian city of Shiraz; Iran and Italy will finalize an agreement on commercial shipping and air transportation; the two countries will also cooperate on constructing a tunnel; India calls for expansion of Aviation cooperation with Iran; Armenia and Iran will start gas pipeline construction; Jordan and Laos are eager to cooperate in Iran’s water sector; Iran and Hungary are to broaden economic ties; Iran spruces up tourist industry; construction of the biggest and first standard museum will kick off in Iran’s northeastern province of Khorasan next month; Tehran is to enjoy its largest theater gala this summer; Culture minister praises 60-year studies of Harvard Iranologist; three Iranian oil engineering PhD student in a competition in oil research, held in Canada ranked first to third respectively; two Iranian children won top awards at an international painting competition held Libya; Iranian Zoroastrians celebrate Tiregan festivities beginning from June 30 to July 9; all the five Iranian short films participating in the Austrian festival of nations 20004, managed to scoop up the awards; ‘Friday Soldiers’, the latest film by Veteran Iranian Film Maker, Masoud Kimia’ee is to be screened at tout Ecran Festival in Switzerland; three Iranian films will participate in Asian pacific festival in Japan; the Dutch documentary film panorama was held in Tehran; a number of Iranian writers and critics will review the works of Anton Chekhov in Tehran on July 6; and finally an international exhibit of handicrafts, cultural and tourist attractions will open in Iranian central city Arak at the eng of August. A new gas field has been discovered in Lavan island situated in the Persian Gulf, with reserves of over 7 trillion cubic feet of gas. Exploration operations in this field started two years ago and so far two wells have been dug in the field. The first well was dug before the victory of the Islamic Revolution, but was left incomplete and now it has been completed and prepared for exploitation along with another field. It is also worth considering that following the completion of the first geothermal operation of the first geothermal well in the northwestern city of Meshkinshahr, Iran’s first geothermal power plant will come on stream soon. Being the first of a series of five to be drilled in the northeastern region, the well provides required thermal power for the power plant by making use of the earth’s internal heat. Capable of producing two megawatt of electricity, the power plant can produce up to 100 megawatts of electricity by drilling more wells. Another news item on energy is that Kazakhstan would like to construct a pipeline through Iran to the Persian Gulf as the main outlet for its natural resources. In fact, it would be the best exit for Kazakhstan; it would be better than the long and circuitous Baku-Tblisi-Ceyhan route or the Russia and China routes. In the field of energy, reports say selling Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) at a lower price than that of energy market competitors, such as Qatar, would help Iran to maintain its standing in international energy markets. Using LNG vessels is more profitable than exporting by pipeline thus the technology of changing gas to LNG is of paramount importance and gaining a foothold in international energy markets including the LNG market is a necessity for Iran. In an economic news item we read that the northern port city of Anzali is prepared to resume transit of oil products. Anzali, as the most equipped port city bordering the Caspian Sea is also prepared to provide investors involved in the transit of oil products with the required land and facilities. Investors can apply for loans from the ports and Shipping Departments for the construction and supply of the required equipment. In a business news item we read, the two largest Iranian banks, Bank Saderat and Bank Melli along with Bahrain’s al-Ahli United Bank have come together to form a joint venture with headquarters in Bahrain called Future Bank. Also all branches of Saderat and Melli banks in Bahrain, Oman, and Qatar will be converted into Future National Bank of Iran. In
a business news item, report say Japanese industrialists and
businessmen have expressed readiness to participate in Iran’s
Metals Stock Exchange. It is worth noting that Iran is going to be
one of the largest markets for metal in particular, in the steel
sector in the Middle East region. The Islamic Republic of Iran plans to privatize its lumbering state-run tourist sector and increase its share of world tourism 15-fold in the next 20 years. The Islamic Republic, which boasts breathtaking landscapes and some of the world’s finest ancient cities, says revamping hotels and transport routes will cost up to 5 billion dollar per year. In related news we also read several experts from the World Tourism Organization (WTO) will tout Iran soon to examine the status of the tourism industry. And
finally, construction of the biggest and first standard museum of
Iran will begin in the northeastern province of Khorasan within a
month. The construction will last four years and some five billion
rials has been embarked for it. Monday
28 June 2004 Some of the latest developments in Iran are that: The
6th international auto exhibition was held in Tehran;
Iran plans to raise car exports worth up to one billion dollars; a
new oil field has been discovered in the south of Iran; industrial
exports from Iran reach 609 million dollars; the solar power plant
in Shiraz is to start test operation; all equipment related to the
electricity industry is manufactured inside Iran; Iran has assigned
6 billion dollars of investment for the petrochemical industry in
the past six years; the first operational stage of phases 4 and 5 of
the South Pars oil and gas field in the Persian Gulf will come on
stream; Iran is the most stable Middle East country; Iran will have
a thirty percent share of Middle East petrochemical exports by 2006;
France starts investment in Iran as Air France flights are resumed
to Tehran; Iran and Jordan signed 8 MOUs for cooperation in the
economic, cultural, and anti-narcotic fields; Iran and Yemen inked 7
agreements in various fields; Iran and Armenia call for expansion of
mutual ties; the volume of gas and electricity exchanges between
Iran and Armenia will amount to 10 billion dollars over the next 20
years; Morocco will import crude oil from Iran; Iran-China trade
totaled 4 billion dollars last year; Iran-Turkey trade balance has
been in Iran’s favor in the first 4 months of 2004; the first
international carpet seminar is to open in Tehran on July 7 with 13
countries taking part; June 21st marks the martyrdom
anniversary of one of the leading figures of the Islamic Revolution
Dr. Mostafa Chamran; Spain’s hosting of an exhibition of 7000
years of Iranian Art enthusiastically received by lovers of art and
culture; Iran and the Azerbaijan Republic to sign religious
cooperation agreement; Tehran to host first international conference
on Persian poetry in October; major exhibition on Iranian carpets
held in Tokyo last week; Iranian artists and film makers pay tribute
to Abbas Kiarostami; three Iranian short films entered at the 19th
International Film Festival in Spain; Bulgarian University awards
Iranian children; the historical areas of Tous and Tabaran will turn
into Iran’s tourism hub. Tehran’ 6th International Auto Exhibition was held June 20 to 24 under the theme “Globalization, Merger and Competitiveness”. In this exhibition 866 domestic and 169 foreign companies from 22 countries participated, displaying their latest auto industry achievements. According to an opinion poll conducted during the exhibition more than 69 percent of visitors named Iran Khodro Auto Factory as the best national vehicle producer. Two other Iranian auto factories, Saipa and Bahman gained 22 and six percent ratings from the visitors and finished second and third respectively. In a related news item we read that Iran plans to export 150 million dollars worth of automobiles by the end of the current Iranian year and one billion in the next 4 years. On the sidelines of the 6th Tehran International Auto Fair, three models of Mercedes-Benz are scheduled to roll-off the production line. A joint scheme between Iran and the French auto giant Renault will also produce 190 models to be offered in the market by 2006. In the field of energy, reports say Iran’s solar power plant in the southern city of Shiraz is ready and test operation will start in two months after installation of the first solar energy collector. The project, which cost 40 billion rials, started two years ago and so far mechanical installations and the construction phase has been completed. Another development in energy is that Iran has injected 6 billion dollars into the petrochemical industry over the past six years. Iran is planning to put on stream all petrochemical projects up to March 2005 and in the current calendar year it is supposed to export 1.9 billion dollars worth of petrochemical products. It is also predicted that Iran’s petrochemical exports will reach 20 billion dollars in 10 years and in view of the enthusiasm shown by foreign investor for Iran’s petrochemical projects, the industry enjoys a good situation and will experience rapid growth in the next decade. Iran has been hailed as the most stable country in the Middle East and this is due to its active commercial and economic sectors coupled with a high economic growth rate of 7.5 percent in 2003 as well as sound economic plans for the next year. Concerning Iran’s role in the Middle East it is also worth noting that Iran will have a 30 percent share of Middle East petrochemical exports by 2006. The Iranian Petrochemical sector is predicted to attract 12 billion dollars of investment under the 4th five-year development plan that will begin March 2005. Meanwhile,
in view of the healthy trade and economic situation of Iran, last
week Air France resumed its nonstop commercial flights between Paris
and Tehran after a 7-year halt. The route is heavily booked with 70
percent of Tehran-Paris flights reserved for the coming three
months. Air France predicts to carry around 40,000 passengers
between Tehran and Paris in ten months. This is while French
companies have been increasing their presence in Iran in the past
few years. As a matter of fact the French are eager to come to Iran
since it is the only major place in the Middle East to invest
because the other countries of the region are more or less in an
unstable and chaotic situation. June 21st marked the martyrdom anniversary of leading revolutionary Dr. Mostafa Chamran. Dr. Chamran, a researcher, scientist and dedicated Muslim, attained martyrdom during guerrilla operations at the fronts of the Iraqi-imposed war on June 21, 1981 in the village of Dehlavieh, southwestern Iran. This year, the 7th of the Iranian month of Tir coinciding with June 27 was also the anniversary of a very tragic occasion. On this day, 23 years ago, Iran lost its Chief Justice, Ayatollah Dr. Mohammad Hussaini Beheshti and 72 other leading officials including parliament members when a bomb planted by the MKO terrorists ripped apart the office of the Islamic Republic Party. Dr. Beheshti was instrumental in drafting the constitution of the Islamic Republic and in reforming the judicial system. If you might recall, in our previous edition you were informed of an exhibition of 7000 years of Iranian art, which is currently underway in the Spanish city of Santiago. It is interesting to know that the exhibit has been enthusiastically received by lovers of Iranian culture, art and history. The exhibit, which will last until Sep. 5, features a cross-section of artifacts on loan from the National Museum of Iran. Monday
21 June 2004 Some
of the latest developments in Iran are that:
Iran
is to take on the West’s control of oil trading; Iran’s gas
refining system is among the best in the world; a pipeline carrying
oil products from Kermanshah refinery to Kordestan province in
western Iran is ready for operation; Iran might sell crude at
different rates; the third methanol project is to be operational in
southwest of Iran and the first methanol consignment was exported to
India last week; gas exports from Iran to India are more economical
via an underwater route; saffron exports from Iran which produces
more than 80 percent of the world’s saffron earn 67 million
dollars; Iran and Oman signed agreements on range of investments and
trade issues; Iran-Turkey trade exchanges will double by the end of
2004; Indonesia is in talks with Iran and Malaysia to build
refinery; Tehran hosted the 39th Colombo Plan meeting;
the seventh Iran-Kuwait joint economic and trade commission session
wound up in Tehran; the third international exhibition of water and
wastewater installations will open in Iran in September; Iran ranks
third in terms of production and export of handicrafts after China
and India; Iran Khodro industrial group wins international
certificate for manufacturing automobile with double-fueled system;
Iran’s auto making group Saipa is to exhibit 50 vehicle brands in
the sixth international auto exhibition; Germany plans to invest in
Iran’s 1.9 billion euro project in the Persian Gulf Island of
Kish; Literacy rate in Iran has improved by 37.5 percent over the
past 25 years; a collection of Iranian’s Qur’an manuscripts and
chinaware are on display in Milan; the Iranian film “Tradition of
Lover-killing” won the best film award at Shanghai film festival;
Iranian movie “The Deserted Station” which was recently on
screen in UK is due also to go on screen in New York and San
Francisco; the French filmmaker Alain Bergala
has made a documentary on Abbas Kiarotami’s movie ‘Where
is the Friend’s Home?” ; a number of musicians from Iran,
France, and Norway will give a concert in Tehran; the first ever
cave museum in the globe is to be built in Iran; professionals from
around the world are invited to
the International Student’s Puppet Show Festival in Tehran; the
second seasonal exhibition at the cinema Museum, for the first time
will detail the Armenian presence in Iranian cinema; an exhibition
entitled “Spring of Light” is to introduce Iranian art, culture,
and cinema to the children of Sarajevo; and finally a cartoon
exhibition entitled “Palestinians are Homeless” was held in
Tehran.
Iran is to launch an oil trading market for Middle East and OPEC producers that could reduce the importance of London’s International Petroleum Exchange (IPE). The decision was made in view of the fact that top oil producing countries are determined to have more control of trading after being advised that existing markets such as the IPE and NYMEX in New York are not working in their favor. Following the decision a contract to design and establish a new platform for crude, natural gas and petrochemical exports will be signed between Iran and an international consortium within days. It is also worth noting that Iran by enjoying the latest technological know-how has the world’s best gas-refining system. Another news item on oil is that Iran has proposed to sell crude to consumer countries at different prices and that fixed pricing for crude was a big mistake since the currency and not the country had been taken into account. Another recent development in Iranian economy is that the country’s 3rd methanol project with an annual capacity of one million tons methanol per year is ready for commissioning in Mahshahr port southwest Iran within the next two weeks. The first methanol consignment produced by the third methanol units of the Bandar Imam Khomeini Special Economic-Petrochemical Zone weighing 5000 tons was exported to India last week. India is targeted as one of the major customers of Iran’s 128 million dollars methanol project. In
the past week Tehran hosted the 39th meeting of the
consultant committee of the Colombo Plan. The gathering discussed
major issues such as annual reports of the council and board of
directors of the Colombo Plan’s academic staff for the past two
years as well as future priorities and developmental necessities.
The Colombo Plan aims to support economic and social development in
the region, protecting members’ interests and paving the way for
technical cooperation and technology transfer. It
might be interesting for you to know that the Iran Khodro industrial
group has won a contract from a leading international auto-making
company for manufacturing three types of vehicles. These are the
Paykan passenger car, pick-up trucks and Peugeot RD models with
double-fueled system. Now
let’s listen to some recent cultural and artistic developments in
Iran. A
collection of Qur’an manuscripts in Iran as well as blue &
white chinaware was on display in the Italian city of Milan. The
works dating back to the Safavid era are being displayed in an
exhibition entitled “In Quest of Heaven” that began in March and
will run until June 27. It
might be interesting for movie fans to know that the Iranian film
“Tradition of Lover-Killing” directed by Khosro Ma’soumi won
the best film award at the 7th Shanghai International
Film Festival that opened June 5. The annual Shanghai International
Film Festival is the only one of its kind in China and one of the
two category “A” international film festivals in Asia. Another interesting news item is that the first ever cave museum in the globe is to be built in the ancient cave of Huto believed to be 12,000 year-old, in a joint venture by Iranian and French experts. The cave is located near Behshahr in northern Mazandaran province. Archeologists have found evidence of people living there during the Ice Age. Monday
14 June 2004 Some
of the latest developments in Iran are that: Developing
the petrochemical industry is a major priority for the government
during the 4th and 5th economic development
plans; Iran is planning to open an oil exchange center in a year and
will contract an international consortium to set up the body; Iran
is to take greater advantage of recyclable energy resources;
construction of twelve dams is underway in northern Iran; work at
the world’s biggest aromatic project located at Pars special
economic energy zone is 85.89 percent complete; Iran Khodro industrial
group presents its latest products at international auto fair; giant
French automaker Renault is to produce a budget car, the ‘Logan’
in Iran; transit of non-oil commodities through Iran has increased
by 52 percent since last year; Iran offers gas oil whose quality is in
conformity with international standards; the British Lloyds
Insurance Company is to provide Iran’s shipping line with the
International Ship and Security Code (ISSC); exhaust gases from
electrical power plants in Iran will be used to desalinate sea
water; the value of handicraft exports has showed a 100 percent increase
in comparison with last year; Pakistan has announced its readiness
to provide guarantees of uninterrupted supply of gas from Iran to
India via its territory; Russia and Iran are keen to bolster trade
ties; Ukraine and Iran are to boost oil and gas cooperation;
Tajikistan, Belarus and Iran explore ways of boosting trade
transactions; Iranian Movie Director, Abbas Kiarostami, is among the
world’s 5 artists awarded Japan’s Premium Imperial for their
overall achievements; Prominent Iranian Traditional Singer, Shahram
Nazeir, performed at 10th international Fez Festival in
Morocco; Spain to host exhibition on 7000 years of Iranian art;
Chekhov’s ‘Three Sisters’ will be staged in Tehran late July;
Iranian Translator, Farideh Damghani, wins Florence Literary Prize
for her extensive work in translation of Italian literary works; the
second picture exhibition featuring artistic works will begin in
Tehran; and finally a puppet production ‘Hamlet Café’ is being
staged in Tehran. Developing
petrochemical industry is a major priority for the government of
Iran during the fourth and fifth economic development plans and
about 21 million dollars will be invested in the sector by the end
of the fifth plan. During the third economic development plan
through great efforts to curb inflation and unemployment, the
government succeeding in creating suitable facilities for
development of various industries. Iran
in this regard is planning to open an oil exchange terminus within a
year and will contract an international consortium to set up the
body. In addition to oil, traders will make the sales and the oil
ministry will sell oil through them. In order to launch the oil
exchange terminus, Iran has floated an international tender to
consortiums behind similar projects in London, New York, Chicago and
Tokyo. Iran
is also going to take greater advantage of recyclable energy
resources. In addition to making functional hydroelectric power
plants capable of generating 7.600 megawatts of electricity within
the next five years, Iran intends to put to use wind, natural gas,
and solar recyclable power to produce 500 extra megawatts in the
near future. Another
piece of news worth noting is that the Iranian northern provinces of
Golestan and Mazandaran are building 12 dams to regulate 610 million
cubic meters of water. The dams are designed to irrigate 897 square
kilometers of lands. These two provinces have invested more than
2,900 billion rials in the water sector over the past twenty-five
years since the triumph of the Islamic Revolution in Iran.
The
fourth aromatic project, which is the world’s biggest aromatic
project located at Pars special economic energy zone is 85.89
complete. At present, basic and detailed engineering operations are
complete. The fourth aromatic project can produce 1.280 million tons
aromatic products per year. The products will be used for
manufacturing a variety of products such as polyester and other
synthetic fibers, medicine, ethyl benzene, pesticides, paints, and
phenol. It
is also interesting to know that giant French automaker Renault has
unveiled a budget car, the ‘Logan’ that will be produced in Iran
as well as in other emerging markets. Renault Company has reached an
agreement with an Iranian party to turn Iran into main hub for Logan
exports to other Middle East countries. Logan has been developed for
countries where consumers have limited purchasing power but who
nonetheless want modern, functional cars. Another
news item on economy is that the Britain’s Lloyds Insurance
Company is award Iran’s shipping line with the International Ship
and Port Facility Security Code (ISSC). Iran’s shipping line has
also won the Swiss BID quality certificate because of its brilliant
record among 160 countries. Another
development in Iran is that exhaust gases from electrical power
plants will be used to desalinate seawater. Exhaust gases from gas
turbines in thermal power plants used to generate electricity are
utilized to produce water vapor and as a result produce drinking
water. Celebrated Iranian film Director, Abbas Kiarostami this year became the first Muslim recipient of the Premium Imperial, a prize awarded by the Japan Art Association. The prize was established to mark the centennial of the Japan Art Association, with the first awards given in 1989 and the laureates this year will each receive 135,700 dollars, believed to be the highest monetary prize for artists. It is also worth noting that an exhibition entitled ‘7000-Year History of Iranian Art’ is to be held in the Spanish city of Santiago on June 15. Santiago is one of Spain’s religious centers visited annually by over 15 million Christians and thousands of people are expected to view this exhibit that will be open till October, before moving on to Croatia and Denmark. The exhibition, which showcases over 180 precious Iranian artifacts, was launched in November 2000 in Austria’s Museum of Art History. Monday
7 June 2004
Some of the latest developments in Iran are that: President Khatami inaugurated the first copper development project; Iran started manufacturing its first anti-ship missile; Iran’s biggest windmill project is ready; Iran’s oil storage capacity will rise; Iran increases the capacity of its oil transit operations to 20 billion dollars; the actual power generation capacity of Iran will hit 34,000 megawatts; Iran produces 81percent of the world’s saffron; Iran is to launch its geothermal power generation along with an aromatic project; Iran and France will conduct joint archeological studies in the central city of Yazd; China is ready to cooperate with Tehran municipality; Iran and the Republic of Azerbaijan agree on gas supplies; British trade missions held meetings with Iranian officials to boost ties; Iran calls for South Korea’s investment in transportation industry; Ukraine and Iran sign industrial accords; Iran and Norway ink MOU oil and gas cooperation; India wins steel contract in Iran; Iran’s pistachio exports to Europe facing no obstacle; Defense industry exhibition held in Tehran; Japan hosted Iranian film festival; Iranian movie ‘Crimson Gold’ directed by Jafar Panahi is on public screens in Italy; another Iranian movie, ‘The Riverside’ competing at an International Film Festival in the Czech Republic; Iranian collector to display his collection of Islamic art in London; Five Iranian children and young adults awarded at international painting competition in Finland; Armenian cultural week will be held in Tehran; the first volume of the mythology of Shahnameh available at Iranian bookstores; and finally Mulla Sadra’s ‘Wisdom of the Throne’ translated into Russian. President Muhammad Khatami last week inaugurated the first copper development project. In this project, the capacity of current condensation factory in Sarcheshmeh in Kerman province will increase to 160,000 tons per year. The second phase of the plant is scheduled to increase the output to 350,000 tons annually by the end of March 2010. Meanwhile, Iran recorded a major breakthrough in defense technology by starting manufacture of its first anti-ship missile. The missile, named Kowsar has been designed by Iran’s Aerospace Industries Organization according to geographical specifications of the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman. Last week, the Iranian Defense Ministry along with the armed forces, staged an exhibition in order to demonstrate their capabilities and products. Iran can now manufacture marine vessels, rebuild shipping fleet, southern fishing fleet, the country’s road, and freight and transportation fleet. During the last five years Iran has been able to export its defense products to 50 countries worth some 200 million dollars. Meanwhile, Iran is also planning to increase the capacity of its oil transit operations to 20 billion dollars in the next five years. It is good to mention that the level of transit in any country depends on the economic ability of neighbors and geographical conditions. Iran is enjoying proper conditions in this regard and the Iranian Customs Administration has eased transit of goods through intelligent electronic systems. Iran provides the safest and shortest route for transit of oil from the landlocked Central Asian and Caucasus states. In related news, Iran and the Republic of Azerbaijan have reached an agreement on supplies of Iranian natural gas to Azerbaijan. The proposed volume of gas imports from Iran is 350 million cubic meters per year. For supply of Iranian gas to the Azeri enclave of Nakhchivan, it will be necessary to build a pipeline and reconstruct gas station, which is estimated to cost 15 to 20 million dollars. In related news, Iran will soon put into operation an aromatic project to offer around 1.8 million tons of petrochemicals per year. The project, costing 290.3 million dollars plus 541.2 billion rials, is underway. This is the third aromatic project to come online in Iran. It
might be interesting to know that Iran produces 81 percent of world’s
saffron. Iran has actually exported some 8401 kg of saffron in the
first month of the current Iranian year. There has been a 40-ton
increase in Iran’s saffron produced in 2003 as compared with that
of the preceding year. Iran saffron is renowned for its quality on
the world market. Iran’s
rapidly expanding potential as economic-industrial hub is attracting
new countries. Last week, Iran and South Korea held talks on
expansion of mutual cooperation. The contribution of South Korean
companies to various projects such as the South Pars gas field,
construction of dams, transportation and subway has opened a new
chapter in economic cooperation between the two countries. During
the last week, two British trade missions arrived in Tehran and held
meetings with ranking Iranian officials, businessmen and industry
leaders. They have been intending to encourage closer commercial and
economic relations between Britain and Iran and to further UK
foreign direct investment in Iran.
Iranian
movie fans might be interested to know that the Iranian Film
Festival kicked off in Tokyo on Saturday, June 5, in Japan. Ten
films from ten Iranian directors including Ibrahim Hatami-Kia,
Dariush Mehrjuee, Bahman Farmanara, Nasser Taqvaei, Masoud Kimiayi,
Kamal Tabrizi are screened at the ten-day festival. The Iranian
Embassy in Tokyo, the Japan Foundation, the Farabi Cinematic
Foundation, and Filmex are the organizers of the Festival. Another artistic event in the past week is that five Iranian children and teens were awarded at an international painting competition held in Finland. The paintings by Iranian children from the southern port city of Bushehr and the southeastern city of Zahedan, depicted festivities of Iranian tribesmen, traditional music, and carpet weaving. Some 12,000 paintings, from 74 countries took part in the competition. It is also worth noting that an Iranian collector thought to be one of the richest foreigners residing in London, is determined to display his collection of Islamic art in a permanent London exhibition. The precious Islamic artwork collection, believed to be the most precious one in the world is valued at one billion, five hundred million pounds. Monday
31 May
2004 Some
of the latest developments in Iran are that: President
Khatami inaugurated a gas-operating power plant in the southwestern
city of Abadan. He also inaugurated the industrial commercial free
trade zone project in the nearby city of Khorramshahr. Foreign
companies are rushing to win Iran tenders. Iran and Germany
discussed promotion of bilateral economic and trade cooperation. The
directors of the Iranian, Russian, and Azerbaijani railroads agreed
to establish an international consortium for planning and
inaugurating the new railroad project. Kazakhstan considers oil
pipeline to the Persian Gulf via Iran the natural outlet for its
hydrocarbon resources. Iran’s largest water project is 73 percent
complete. Iran and South Korea boost water cooperation. Iran is
China’s most important trading and economic partner in the Persian
Gulf region. Iran and Tajikistan are keen on scientific cooperation.
Spain has announced its interest in having good relations with Iran.
Enhancement of ties with Iran is a priority in Polish foreign
policy. Iran and Afghanistan sign telecommunications MOU. the city
of Saveh hosts its 2nd international exhibition. Olive
production in Iran is expected to have a 70 percent increase this
year. Remarkable progress made in Iran’s national plan for
preservation of northern forests. Iranian and British universities
have linked cooperation agreement. A joint commemoration ceremony
for Iranian poets, Ferdowsi and Khayyam was held in Damascus. The
Iranian movie ‘Bitter Dream’ was acclaimed at the Cannes
International Film Festival. The University of Chicago returned 30
ancient clay tablets to Iran. Tehran hosts a major international
women art exhibition. Finally the museum of songs and melodies opens
in the southern city of Shiraz last week. President
Muhammad Khatami on Monday, May 17th inaugurated a
gas-operating power plant in the Southwestern city of Abadan. The
power station whose construction was started three years ago is now
ready for operation. The project has cost more than 1,000 billion
rials to add 493 Megawatts of electricity to the national grid. President
Khatami also inaugurated the free trade zone project in the
southwestern city of Khoramshahr on Monday, May 24th .
With the great potential existing in the region, many investment
proposals have been received from all over the country for different
sectors of the economy, particularly in gas and oil, as well as the
fisheries sectors. Another
news item on economy is that more than 23 foreign companies have
voiced their readiness to handle the 16 oil exploratory blocks Iran
has offered for international tender. The companies have so far
purchased 91 data packages about the oil blocks to undergo
exploration. Iran
and Germany in the past week discussed promotion of Last
week Iran, Russia, and Azerbaijan signed a trilateral memorandum of
understanding to establish an international consortium to plan and
inaugurate the new railroad project linking the three countries. The
railroad directors emphasized the development of direct rail
transportation and the improvement of business ties among Iran,
Europe, Russia, the Republic of Azerbaijan, India and the littoral
states of the Persian Gulf. Kazakhstan
would like to construct a pipeline through Iran to the Persian Gulf
as the main and natural outlet for its hydrocarbon resources, since
Iran provides the shortest and safest transit route to international
markets for landlocked Central Asian states. Kazakhstan, after years
of American pressures against forging economic links with Iran, has
finally realized that Iran affords the most feasible and economical
route to the outside world, with benefits for all concerned. China
also terms Iran as one of its most important trading and economic
partners in the Persian Gulf region. The volume of trade exchanges
between the two countries in 2003 stood at 5.6 billion dollars
showing a 50 percent rise compared to the figures for the preceding
year. Iran
and South Korea have signed a memorandum to broaden cooperation in
building dams and hydraulic power stations. Iran has been able to
attain full self-sufficiency in building dams and is now handling
big projects. The 73rd meeting of the International
Committee on Large Dams (ICOLD) will be held in Tehran in May 2005. It
is also worth noting that enhancement of ties with Iran is a
priority in Polish foreign policy especially in the light of Poland
becoming a member of the European Union. The foreign ministers of
Iran and Poland have stressed cultural commonalities between the two
countries and underlined the need for more contacts between
officials of the two sides. A
news item on Iran’s telecommunications is that, Iran has signed
two memoranda of understanding with Afghanistan for providing
telecommunications facilities to that country. Iran has also
allocated 31,000 dollars to make use of modern technology in
Afghanistan’s telecommunications. For
literature fans it might be interesting to know that a joint
commemoration ceremony for two of the classical poets of Persian
literature was held in Damascus. The Iranian poets commemorated were
the Master of epic poetry, Abol-Qasem Ferdowsi, who composed the
Shahnamah, and the Doyen of Quatrains, the scientist Hakeem Omar
Khayyam whose literary fame rests on his roba’iyaat. These poets,
along with three other giants of Persian poetry, Jalaloddin Mowlavi,
Shaikh Sa’di and Khajah Hafez have become household names for
lovers of literature and culture around the world. Iran
and Britain last week signed a letter of understanding on academic
and scientific cooperation. Based on the document Tehran’s Khajah
Naseeroddin Tousi University and Kingston’s Queens College have
agreed to start bilateral cooperation in training and scientific
fields. Monday
24 May
2004 Some of the latest developments of Iran are that: Iran no longer needs to import wheat; Iran’s biggest wind power plant joins the electricity grid; Iran will export gas to Armenia; Iran is strategically located as the shortest and safest route for transit of Caspian Sea Crude to world markets; Iran, Russia, and Azerbaijan intend to link their railroad network; Iran has attained self sufficiency in dam building; transportation between Iran and Austria has showed a 40 percent growth since last year; Iran participated in Moscow’s international oil gathering and the international energy confab; the 9th international exhibition of oil, gas, and petrochemicals was held in Tehran; Iran is anxious to do business with Ireland; the first foreign bank has been given permission to open in Iran; Iran signs three agreements with South Korea for the advanced sale of petrochemical products; exhibition of photos by Iranian Film Director, Abbas Kiarostami and a separate exhibition of some 21 Iranian photographers’ works are to be held in Paris; a 20-volume encyclopedia on Iranian folklore has been compiled; Iranian carpet industry improves; Iran and Syria boost academic cooperation; Iran and Italy cooperate on tourism; Iran and Syria discuss ways to boost academic cooperation; Iranian film ‘Noah’s Ark’ is to compete at the Russian film festival; and finally the traditional Rose Water Festival held in Kashan. Our
first news item is on agricultural development in Iran. As we said
earlier Iran no longer needs to import wheat. Iran will be self
sufficient in wheat production this year for the first time in 45
years and will turn into a major supplier of cereals in the Middle
East. Iran’s wheat production is expected to reach as high as 14
million tons this year thanks to high seasonal precipitation. It is
also worth knowing that the first phase of power generators of the
biggest power plant in the country joined Iran’s electricity grid
last week. The first phase of the project is made up of five wind
power stations with an annual energy output of 124,000-megawatt
hours. Last Thursday, Iran and Armenia signed an accord under which
Iran will deliver 36 billion cubic meters of gas to Armenia in
addition to supply of electricity for over 20 years as of 2007. The
construction of the Iran-Armenia gas pipeline has political and
economic importance for Iran and foresees economic benefits for both
countries. Iran
is the shortest, safest and the most economical transit route for
Caspian Sea oil to the world markets. Iran charged 12 dollars for
transfer of every ton Caspian crude, a rate that rules out other
competitors, especially Turkey, which with US support had tried to
lay an economically unfeasible oil pipeline to its Black Sea Port
that passes through three countries and a volatile region. Iran,
which participated in the international gathering of oil experts
held in Moscow last week is considered the ideal transit route, and
since Iran and Russia have the biggest reserves of gas in the world,
the two countries can potentially serve as the most practical routes
for the transfer of gas to Europe. Iran will also play an
increasingly vital role in international energy markets in the next
two decades. Iran is also the second biggest crude exporter in OPEC.
Another
development worth noting is that Iran, Russia, and the Republic of
Azerbaijan intend to link their railroad network. The proposed link
will effectively connect North Europe to the Persian Gulf through
Finland, Saint Petersburg, and Moscow and will also play a crucial
role in transfer of commodities as well as passenger. The
construction of the railroad will start this year and will be
completed in two phases. Transportation between Iran and Austria has
showed a 40 percent growth since last year. Tehran and Vienna have reached
important agreements in the economic sector and are soon to set up a
locomotive production factory. The two sides are also to set up a
Siemens subsidiary in Iran. Furthermore, Austria is to partly
finance implementation of a project for promotion of Iran’s
infrastructures and exchange of students. For your information, De France
Gallery in Paris recently opened an exhibition of 30 black and white
photos taken by the Celebrated Iranian Filmmaker, Abbas Kiarostami
over the last 25 years. The photos, which portray snowy and
mountainous landscapes, had been previously displayed at the Venice
Biennial 2001. A special ceremony for paying tribute to
Kiarstami’s work, along with a series of his works, is to be
screened in Cannes. In related news, an exhibition of the works of
21 Iranian photographers is currently being held in Paris. The
exhibition focuses on photos relating to Iranian theater
productions, which were displayed in Tehran in February as part of
an annual photo exhibit. This is the first overseas display of
photos on national theater. Meanwhile, five drama directors also plan
to give performances in France and a street play called ‘Persian
Music’ will be staged in the open-air compound of Saint Michel
Church in Paris. For
the fans of Iranian folklore it might be interesting to know that
Ali Ashraf Darvishian has compiled a 20-volume encyclopedia on
folklore stories from various parts of Iran. The encyclopedia, which
is the outcome of a 20-year research, is the first of its kind about
stories in Iran and Iran ranks sixth in the world for compiling
national stories in alphabetical order. And
the last news item of this week concerns a peculiarity of Iranian
culture in the central city of Kashan, which is now hosting the
fourth traditional Rose Water Festival. Rose water, a product used
in many Iranian dishes, and sometimes as a perfume is extracted in a
special ceremony and is a tradition specific to the Kashan region.
The festival this year includes rose water extraction ceremonies,
evening programs, and arrangements for tourists to visit historical
monuments in Kashan. Monday 17 May 2004 Iran
is the third largest aluminum producer in the Middle East; The
Iran-Kuwait gas pipeline project is considered strategic; Iran’s
petrochemical industry is flourishing; two projects will come on
stream at the Special Petrochemical Zone in Iran; Iran and Kuwait
hold bilateral talks on cultural and religious issues; Iran will
expand cultural exchanges with Bangladesh; international exhibition
of modern digital technology is to be held in Tehran; four Iranian
films screened for world market distribution at the Cannes
International Film Festival; Italians and Iranians archeologists are
working on the Grand Mosque of Isfahan; and
“the Passion of the Christ” is screened in Tehran. Iran
is the third largest aluminum producer in the Middle East after the
United Arab Emirates and Bahrain. Producing about 160,000 tons of
aluminum annually, Iran could by the year 2021 become number one in
the region and tenth in the world. Some experts predict that
Iran’s aluminum production could hit 1,700,000 tons annually,
600,000 tons of which would be used domestically and 1,100,000 tons
to be exported abroad. This would mean that 2.6 percent of the world
aluminum would be produced in Iran. Currently, the United States,
China, and Russia are the major aluminum producers in the world. The gas pipeline project for transfer
of Iran’s natural gas to Kuwait is of strategic importance.
Establishment of a common gas network by all the Persian Gulf
littoral states in partnership with Iran would help balance the
supply and guarantee stability on regional gas market. For the same
reason Kuwait intends to meet a part of its gas requirements from
Iraq and Qatar and put gas purchase from Iran on its agenda. The
decline in the Iranian people’s oil consumption in summer would
provide Kuwait and other consumer states with a good chance to
purchase Iran’s oil surplus. Kuwaitis consider Iranian gas as a
top quality product with ample applications in petrochemical
industries and this proves the booming in Iran’s petrochemical
sector. The petrochemical sector is in fact the key element to raise
Iran’s non-oil income by relying on its vast natural gas reserves
as Iran’s feedstock ranked second in the world after Russia.
Iran’s National Petrochemical Company has also contributed to
promotion of non-oil exports as well as creating more jobs. Another
piece of news on the petrochemical industry is that two
petrochemical projects will soon come on stream. Implementation of
the project started in 1998 and its final annual production would be
412,000 tons of polyethylene terephthalate and terephthaltic acid.
The projects’ products have been valued at 2.312 trillion rials
per year, which would also create 272 jobs. The National
Petrochemical Company or NPC owns 84 percent of the project, while
the remaining 16 percent is owned by the social security
organization. Iran and
Kuwait have discussed ways of improving bilateral ties in the
cultural and religious areas. The two sides also explored new
avenues for cooperation in the areas of book publishing, conducting
research works in the cultural and religious domains and providing
grounds for the two countries’ writers and scholars. Iran
is also planning to expand its cultural exchanges with Bangladesh.
Based on the agreements signed last week the two sides are going to
promote academic cooperation between their universities in the
fields of arts, literature, science and technology. Iran and
Bangladesh have longstanding cultural ties and such accords would
pave the way for developing closer cooperation and people-to-people
contacts between the two counties. The
4th international technology exhibition will be held in
Tehran from July 22 to 26. The exhibition will have on display the
latest technology used in the production of modern movies, TV and
photography cameras, audio and video equipment, gear and instruments
used in TV and movie studios, various types of microphones,
synchronizing instruments, apparatus used for simultaneous
translation work, boosters and amplifying systems, musical
instruments and related equipment, cellular phones as well as
prominent cinematographic and TV works.
It
might also be interesting for you to know that a joint team of
Italian and Iranian archeological experts is working on the Masjid-a
Jame or Grand Mosque of Isfahan. The current project, which started
in 2000 with the surveying of one sixth of the one million
discovered terracotta pieces, signifies the architectural
development of the historic monument during different eras. The
Grand Mosque of Isfahan is symbolic monument of Islamic-Iranian
architecture dating from the early days of the advent of Islam over
a millennium and three centuries ago. The Cannes International Film Festival began its annual
12-day swirl of projections, parties and publicity on May 12 in
France. Four Iranian movies are being screened there for world
market distribution. ‘The Beautiful City’ directed by Asghar
Farhadi, ‘Boutique’ by Hamid Nematollah, ‘Residents of Silent
Land’ by Saman Salvar, and the short feature ‘Silent
Companion’ by Elham Hossein Zadeh are the four Iranian movies.
Also two films by celebrated Iranian Director Abbas
Kiarostami ‘10 on 10’, and ‘Five’ as well as Behrouz
Afkhami’s ‘Gavkhouni’ or ‘the Marsh’ are being screened in
other sections of the Festival. The Cannes International Film
Festival will end on May 23. And
our final news item is again on movies. Mel Gibson’s controversial
‘The Passion of the Christ’ went on screen last Wednesday in
Tehran. The movie,
which depicts the last 12 hours in the life of Prophet Jesus
according to the Christian belief, in often graphic and brutal
detail, has drawn a storm of criticism worldwide, from Zionist and
pro-Israeli groups for having exposed the betrayal of Jesus by the
Israelis. Monday 10 May 2004 Iran
becoming a major center for investment in the petrochemical
industry; the enhancement in Iran’s petrochemical productions; the
export of natural gas to Azerbaijan and Armenia; the acquisition of
technical know-how for gas conversion; the manufacturing of
Mercedes-Benz automobiles, and the Tehran International book fair. Our
first news item is on economy. The Middle East and Iran in
particular have become an attractive center for investment in
petrochemical products. The Firm determination of the governments of
Persian Gulf littoral states particularly Iran to expand
infrastructures and supply needed natural gas has multiplied the
attraction of investment in petrochemical industries. By
the end of the 5th development plan in 2015, Iran’s
National Petrochemical Company will also increase its petrochemical
production capacity to 70 million tons per year, worth 20 billion
dollars. According to a contract that is to be signed by Iran and Azerbaijan, after necessary negotiations and agreements as of winter, Iran will export 200 to 350 million cubic meters of natural gas to Azerbaijan. Iran has been holding talks for more than one decade with the republics of Azerbaijan and Armenia on the export of its natural gas. Iran gives priority to the transfer of gas to neighboring countries and the central Asian republics in the long run in a bid to upgrade mutual economic cooperation. Another piece of news is again on gas conversion in Iran. The national Petrochemical Company has acquired the technical knowledge for converting natural gas to petrochemical products. The Study of various methods for promoting production technology in various petrochemical complexes has increased production capacities. Egyptian and Iranian business officials have agreed to set up a joint council, anticipating an increase in commerce opportunities once their governments decide to restore diplomatic relations. Egypt and Iran have not had diplomatic ties for 45 years but earlier this year officials from both countries said a restoration of relations was approaching. Concerning transportation it might be interesting to know that Iran
hosted the 78th international gathering on intercity rail
transportations for the first time in the Middle East region.
Managers and high-ranking officials from some 50 countries, which
use subway transportation systems, attended the three-day gathering.
The participants exchanged views on the latest development in the
sector and public transportation and also visited Tehran’s subway. Another
economic development is that Iran-made products have dominated
Armenian markets for cooking oil, glass, and construction materials.
Iranian businessmen are mostly active in the field of construction
materials in the former Soviet Republic. Although construction
stones sell very well in Armenia, due to high tariffs, Armenia has
not been able to improve its exports to the Islamic state; however
Armenia exported goods worth $110million to Iran in 2002, and the
two countries are determined to boost trade cooperation. A boost in manufacturing Mercedes-Benz automobiles is another step forward in Iran’s economy. The experimental assembly line of E-class Mercedes-Benz will be launched from late September and Germany’s Daimler-Chrysler will undertake the financial stakes in the project. As per the agreement signed with the German company, some 5,000 Mercedes-Benz cars will be produced in Iran each year. The agreement, which was signed in February, stipulated that the Iranian company will produce the car and the German side provides the after-sale services. A significant event in the past week was the Seventeenth Tehran international Book Fair, which kicked off May 2. The Book Fair has provided a unique opportunity to introduce the literary written culture. The
presence of publishers from 46 countries in this year’s book fair
is proof that the domestic market for foreign books has been
institutionalized Iranian books in the two categories of
“religion” and “children and young adults” are of great
appeal to the world. Also along with the Book Fair, Iranologists from 75 countries attended the Iran House section of Tehran’s International Book Fair. The Iran House section includes programs titled Culture and Cultural Bonds focusing on various aspects of Iranian arts, history and literature. An exhibition of invaluable paintings of renowned Iranian poets was also held on the sidelines of the Iranian House programs. Concurrent
with the International Book Fair, the 11th Asian Press
exhibit was also held in Tehran as of May 6. Over 200 Persian
language dailies from Asia will take Part in the exhibit, titled
Press Enquiries. Monday 3 May 2004 Some of the major events in the past week on the subjects mentioned are: Martyr
Motahari’s views on Human Rights, Iran and Japan’s agreements on
energy cooperation, Iran’s self-sufficiency in petrochemical
projects, Iran’s gas sales to its neighbors; the interest of
Iranian youths in higher education, success of an Iranian
Photographer in Belgian festival, the exhibition of Iranian art and
traditions in Parisian, Iranian painting and calligraphy exhibition
in Kabul, and tourism awards. A
lecturer at Calcutta University in India has acknowledged that the
views of the Iranian Prominent Intellectual and Popular Religious
Figure, Ayatollah Morteza Motahari, on Human Rights are complete and
comprehensive. Speaking on
the sideline of Hekmat Motahar International Conference in Tehran on
Saturday to commemorate the anniversary of Ayatollah Motahari’s
martyrdom, Kingshuk Charji said Motahari offered two viewpoints on
Human Rights: individual rights and social rights. On the difference
between Motahari’s views and the principles laid down in
international law he said: “International law places more emphasis
in individual rights and considers social rights as secondary,
whereas Motahari views them with equal importance. The
history lecturer emphasized that Motahari played a key role in the
victory of the Islamic Revolution “because of his influential
character and his vast knowledge on various fields of science. Iran
and Japan on Tuesday signed two memoranda of understanding on
cooperation in the field of energy. Since Japan is the third largest
consumer of oil and the sixth largest consumer of gas in the world
and Iran is the second major oil producer in OPEC, the two sides can
have more extensive cooperation in the field of energy.
Cooperation between the two sides expanded remarkably
following President Mohammad Khatami’s November 2000 visit to Japan. Tokyo
is Iran’s first trading partner in International trade and Iran
the third major supplier of crude oil to Japan. Another development is that Iran has nearly attained self-sufficiency in the fields of engineering, construction, installation and commissioning of petrochemical units. The Implementation of petrochemical projects has provided the grounds for promotion of domestic industries. Major advantages of Iran’s petrochemical sectors are high-added value and unlimited facilities for producing thousands of petrochemicals used in agriculture and industries. A good opportunity for introducing capabilities of Iranian companies and technology transfer has been provided through holding annual international conferences in Tehran. A
boost in the export of gas to its neighbors is another step forward
in Iran’s economy. Iran which holds some 15 percent of the
world’s natural gas reserves is enhancing exports of gas to the
neighboring countries in the hope of picking up sales to Asia and
Europe in the future. Iran expects to sign within the next two weeks
a contract to supply 15 million cubic feet a day by pipeline to the
United Arab Emirates. Islamic Republic is also in talks with Kuwait
and the UAE for two other similar contracts hoping to export 1.5
billion cubic meters to the two countries each year. Also expected
later this year are contracts with Armenia and the Russian Caucasus
Republic of Nakhchavan, covering the sale of 3 billion cubic meters
annually. Now
let’s hear something promising about the Iranian youths: Almost 96
percent of the youth in Iran aged between 15 and 29 are educated.
This is a good venue for triggering social developments. A survey
conducted on a sample population of 1900 students shows that more
than 95 percent of Iranian youngsters are willing to continue their
higher education. Young people’s top priority is to pursue
education and improve their professional skills so much so that they
even sacrifice their employment and marriage goals. Iranian
artists also made several achievements in the past week. Iranian
photographer, Davud Ameri won the silver medal at a Belgian photo
festival held annually in the city of Knokke Heist, Northwest
Belgium. Ameri’s work won from among 214 photos from 35 countries
received by the secretariat of the festival.
In
Paris, Iranian art and traditions will go on display in an
exhibition of Iranian art, culture, and traditions entitled “The
Iranian Spring” starting May 6th". It is interesting to
know that during the last 40 years a foreign exhibition of this
nature considering both the size and duration has not been held in
Paris. In
recent years manifestations of Iranian culture and art, films and
exhibitions have been mounted in Europe, encouraging the
municipality of Paris to hold this show. Another
Iranian exhibition opened last week not in Europe but in
Afghanistan. A total of 30 works of the Iranian artist, Hussein
Machiani, including painting, illumination, and calligraphy were
included in the exhibition called “Flower and Bird”. For
the first time in Iran Annual Tourism Awards will be granted
concurrent with the World Tourism Day. The Ministry of Culture and
Islamic Guidance has approved the proposal according to which top
organizations, institutions and companies active in the tourism
industry will be selected and commended in the annual ceremony. The
project is intended to support the industry and encourage
high-quality services, institutionalize the culture of sightseeing
and traveling, and make the country a pioneer in granting
international tourism awards. Allergy You
have an allergy when your body overreacts to things that don’t
cause problems for most people. These things are called allergens.
Sometimes the term “hay fever” is used to describe an allergic
reaction to allergens in the air. As the body tries to fight off the
harmless invader, symptoms begin which can be worsened by Aerosol
sprays, air pollution, cold temperatures, humidity, irritating
fumes, tobacco smokes, wind, and wood smoke. The
hallmarks of spring allergies or hay fever are sneezing, watery
eyes, a runny nose, pressure in the nose and cheeks, ear fullness
and popping, and dark circles under the eyes. The most common allergens are pollen from trees, grass, and weeds, mold, animal dander, and dust. Allergies
that occur in the spring are often due to tree pollen. Allergies
that occur in the summer are often due to grass pollen and allergies
that occur in the fall are often due to ragweed. If you want to
avoid pollen you’d better shower or bathe before bedtime to wash
off pollen and other allergens in your hair and on your skin. Avoid
going out, especially on dry, windy days. Keeping the windows and
doors shut can be helpful, as can using an air conditioner at home
and in your car. Mold is common where water tends to collect such as shower curtains, window moldings, and damp basements; so by frequently cleaning shower curtains, bathroom windows, damp wall and by removing houseplants you can reduce the amount of mold in your home. Do not carpet bathrooms or other damp rooms and use mold-proof paint instead of wallpaper. Reducing the humidity in your home to 50 percent or less can also help. The
bits of skin and hair from animals are both allergens. Many
allergens, including dust mites are in dust. Dust mites are tiny
living creatures found in bedding, mattresses and carpeting. They
live on dead skin cells and other things found in house dust. To
reduce dust and dust mites you can remove drapes, feather pillows,
and upholstered furniture. Replace carpets with linoleum or wood.
Polished floors are best. Mop the floor often with a damp mop and
wipe surfaces with a damp cloth. Vacuum regularly with a machine
that has a high efficiency particulate air filter. Vacuum soft
furniture and curtains as well as floors. Wash carpets and
upholstery with special cleaners as tannic acid spray.
Wash all bedding in hot water every 7 to 10 days. Cover
mattress and pillows with plastic covers and finally lower humidity
in your home. Allergy
symptoms can be helped relieved
by taking medicines as
antihistamines, decongestants, cromolyn sodium, nasal steroid sprays
and eye drops. Antihistamines
help reduce the sneezing, runny nose and itchiness of allergies.
Some antihistamines can cause drowsiness and dry mouth. Others are
less likely to cause these side effects, but some of these require a
prescription. Decongestants
help temporary relieve the stuffy nose of allergies. They come as
pills, nose sprays and nose drops. They are best used only for a
short time. Nose sprays
and drops shouldn’t be used for more than three days because you
can become dependant on them. Since decongestants can raise your
blood pressure, it is a good idea to talk to your family doctor
before using them. Cromolyn
sodium, a kind of nasal spray, helps reduce the symptoms of
allergies. It helps prevent the body’s reaction to allergens and
it may not start to work until up to 2 to 4 weeks after you begin
using it. Your doctor may suggest cromolyn for you if your allergies
are severe of if other medicines are not working. Nasal
steroid sprays reduce the reaction of the nasal tissues to inhaled
allergies. This helps relieve the swelling in your nose so that you
feel less stopped-up. You won’t notice their benefits for up to 2
weeks after starting them. If your other medicines are not helping enough with your itchy, watery eyes, your doctor may prescribe eye drops for you. Allergy
shots also called immunotherapy contain small amounts of allergens.
They are given on a regular schedule so that your body gets used to
all allergens and no longer overreacts to them. Allergy
shots are only used when the allergens you are sensitive to can be
identified and when you can’t avoid them. It takes a few months to
years to finish treatment, and you may need to have treatments
throughout your life. Food
allergy is another problem you may be suffering from. It occurs when
the immune system thinks a certain protein in a food is a foreign
agent and fights against it.
Although
25 percent of people think they are allergic to certain foods, studies show
that about only 8 percent of children and 2 percent of adults have a food
allergy. Babies and young children are most often allergic to milk,
eggs, wheat, soybean products and peanuts. Older children and adults
are most often allergic to peanuts, tree nuts like walnuts, almonds
and cashews, and also fish and shellfish. The most common sudden symptoms of food allergy are hives or large bumps on the skin, swelling, itchy skin, itchiness or tingling in the mouth, coughing, trouble breathing or wheezing, throat tightness, diarrhea and vomiting. There maybe also a feeling of impending doom—a feeling that something bad is going to happen, pale skin because of low blood pressure, or loss of consciousness. The most common chronic illness associated with food allergies are eczema and asthma.
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