Speaking on Thursday in the 26th week of the inauguration of national projects, after issuing the order to start the operation of 4 national projects in the field of science and technology and the Ministry of Agriculture Jihad, Dr Hassan Rouhani said, "Today, the number of knowledge-based companies has increased 100 times compared to the last 7 years, and it is very important for us that the young and educated generation of the country have a space for the activity and excellence of their science and knowledge".

Referring to the projects for drugs and vaccines that were inaugurated today, the President said, "Drug production is very important in the world today, and the fact that today a project to make a human vaccine and to treat a common disease was launched is very hopeful for the country in the supply of medicine and its export".

Stating that knowledge-based companies have created the hope that we can become self-sufficient in the field of production of the country's pharmaceutical needs step by step, Dr Rouhani added, "The government will do anything for policymaking and facilitation in the field of activity of these companies".

The President stated that the achievement of large-scale production of vaccines, especially human vaccines, has been emphasised since the beginning of the 11th government, adding, "We are very happy that the Vice-President for Science and Technology announced today that great steps have been taken in the production of influenza vaccines, and that the vaccine will be produced in the coming months, which will be very reassuring for the people".

Dr Rouhani expressed satisfaction that many knowledge-based activities in the country are carried out with the investment of the private sector.

The President stated that we should try to improve the way of prescribing and consuming medicine as well as the consumption of food in our country and to avoid excessive consumption and waste of food and medicine, stating, "Statistical reports indicate 40% of food is wasted in our country, for which we have to take effective and serious action".

On Thursday, in the 26th week of the inauguration of important national projects, the President inaugurated 4 national projects of the Department of State for Science and Technology, and Ministry of Agriculture Jihad under the slogan of "Prudence and Hope for Surge in Production".

In this ceremony, the production plan of plasma-derived products in Alborz province, the production plan of cervical cancer vaccine in Tehran province, the production plan of sertraline in Markazi province and the production line of Biorun bio phosphate were officially started by the Ministry of Agriculture Jihad in Alborz province.

504 billion tomans of credit has been spent for the implementation of these 4 projects, and by putting these projects into operation, 339 sustainable direct employment opportunities will be created.