Tehran: Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has announced the government's readiness to support new technology-based firms (NTBFs), particularly in the commercialization and marketing of their products. This announcement was made during his first provincial visit to Sistan and Baluchestan, where he toured the province's Industrial Park in Zahedan. According to Islamic Republic News Agency, President Pezeshkian emphasized the importance of these firms in driving economic growth and innovation. The government aims to create a conducive environment for NTBFs to thrive, recognizing their potential in advancing the nation's technological landscape. This move is expected to enhance the competitiveness of Iranian products in both domestic and international markets. On a related note, the deputy minister for planning and economic affairs at Iran's Ministry of Agriculture, Akbar Fat'hi, revealed a significant rice deficit in the country. Despite producing 2.6 million tons of rice this year, Iran faces an 800,000-ton shortfall, necessitating imports to meet the annual demand of 3.4 million tons. Fat'hi highlighted the reliance on domestic production for the majority of this demand, with the shortfall being addressed through imports. Furthermore, the Statistical Center of Iran reported a decrease in the annual inflation rate for households, which reached 33.1% in the month leading up to November 20. This marks a 0.5 percentage point decline compared to the previous month. The Consumer Price Index (CPI) for households rose to 279.5, indicating a 2.8% increase compared to the previous month and a 32.5% rise compared to the corresponding month of the previous year. The 12-month CPI ending on November 20, 2024, also showed a 33.1% increase compared to the same period ending in 2023. In other economic developments, Iran's daily oil production has seen an increase of 60,000 barrels per day since August, as announced by the CEO of the National Iranian Oil Company (NIOC), Hamid Bovard. This boost in production comes despite unfo reseen repairs, and further increases are anticipated by the end of the current Iranian calendar year. Meanwhile, Iran is actively engaging in international cultural events, such as the 47th Kuwait International Book Fair, where Iranian publishers are showcasing the latest works of prominent authors in Arabic and Persian, contributing to cultural exchange and dialogue.