E-Commerce Development in Iran

The main purpose of the paper is to place the Iran information society in a global context. According to studies and surveys conducted world-wide, government incentives and current legal frameworks, technology available at a reasonable price, and public acceptance of the internet as an efficient medium for buying goods and services are driving e-commerce growth. Academics, information technology experts and even politicians are aware of these essential requirements. The paper gives an overview about the recent decisions, plans and project by the Iranian government to facilitate development of e-commerce in Iran. Unlike developed countries, in developing countries like Iran, governments have monopoly on ICT infrastructure and trading procedures. As a result, the main steps toward e-commerce must be taken by the governments. Government of Iran determined to research at formulating policy recommendations on the removal of bottlenecks and problems preventing or slowing down the growth use of new technology in this country. E-commerce has always been an attentive issue to governments and Iran made some policies to develop and enhance it such as training this concept as courses in academic institutes and some seminars for industries, regulating the laws, improvements of ICT infrastructure, developing e-finance and e-government and also stimulating activities.