Introduction

Globalization has deep and widespread effects on all aspects of human life and, especially, on the world economy. These effects are to the extent that in our era all spheres of economic and political development are influenced explicitly or implicitly by this process and its implications. If we consider privatization as one of the main requirements for economic development, it has to be dealt with and studied in close relationship with the globalization process.

In this context what deserves special attention is the study of the impact and the implications of  privatization on the national economy, productivity enhancement, efficiency, distribution of wealth and poverty alleviation. At the same time this process should be conducted in a manner that safeguards and strengthens the national interests of the country as well as maximizes the nation’s capacity and minimizes the challenges of globalization. Therefore, the implementation of Principle 44 of the Constitution of the Islamic Republic of Iran and the need for transferring the considerable bulk of government activities and public firms to the private and co-operative sectors, should be supplemented by the adoption of appropriate and effective measures.

We are optimistic that the outcome of this conference, in which national and international figures, academia, international organizations, and government officials participate, will help provide the necessary means for an effective presence and participation in the evolution of a just and equitable process of globalization.