An Iranian economic expert says international sanctions imposed against the country must be used to help Iran's economic infrastructure grow and promote private sector participation.

Gholam-Reza Ansari, adviser to Foreign Minister Ali Akbar Salehi, added on Tuesday that economic reforms will help Iran have the final say in the region after the sanctions.

“Today, the government must avoid [for example] purchasing gas from other countries because this is a task for the private sector,” IRNA quoted him as saying.

He said the government is currently purchasing gas from Turkmenistan and has no share in implementing technical and engineering projects in Turkmenistan unlike other countries.

Pointing to the recent developments in Europe and the US, the Iranian adviser added that industrial countries are reforming their economic structures and intense economic competition is expected in the Middle East.

The official stated that Iran's Foreign Ministry has worked towards helping Iranian companies grow in exporting technical and engineering services.

Ansari further noted that private sector entities will be invited to sessions of joint economic commissions with various countries.