KNUV 2018; 4(58): 55-68

Hamidreza Alipour Islamic Azad University

The Strategic Position of the Silk Road and Its Role in the Economy of Gilan Province

Summary The Silk Road is the main link between the main parties of the old civi- lisations in the three continents of Eurasia. Iran is one of the countries that have enjoyed transit advantages due to its geographical location. With the expansion of the transportation network and reliable and efficient commu- nications, Iran can benefit from relationships with 15 countries through its borders. This, in turn, is very beneficial for the link between the countries of Central Asia and the Persian Gulf States as well as the establishment of commercial relationships between East Asia and the European countries thro- ugh Iran. In the same vein, the development of economic relations, bilateral and multilateral trade agreements, joint investments in the steel industry, petrochemicals, refineries, water and electricity, and hotel business, and the establishment of a free trade zone are among the economic solutions that have the common ground of cooperation and convergence. The monetary union can also be effective in achieving economic integrity. In fact, economic integration and the attempt to reach the financial union can be effective in reducing economic disparities between the countries of the Silk Road, and the formation of a regional organisation called the Economic Council of the Silk Road or the Commonwealth of the Silk Road Countries seems to be necessary. According to the geographical location of Gilan Province, taking this advantage can bring many benefits and improve its economic status at the regional and global levels.

Key words: development of economic relations, Silk Road, Gilan Province.

JEL codes: F10, O24

Introduction Silk Road is the main link between the main bodies of the old civilizations in the three continents of Eurasia which is important in this regard. Asian civilizations including the Chinese, Indian, Central Asia, Iran, Mesopotamia, Urartu, and Yemen. European civilizations include Greece, Rome and other civilizations in southern Europe and African civilizations include Egypt, Kush and other African civilizations. In fact, Silk Road refers to all the water and 56 Hamidreza Alipour land routes connecting the West-Pacific civilizations to the East Atlantic. These paths went through a wide variety of political, cultural, social, and religious realms which their totality constitutes as a valuable part of the precious human heritage (Fazeli 2011). Silk Road has always played an important role in various dimensions for countries such as Iran. The economic role of it has always been a matter for government officials. The Islamic countries along the Silk Road create the main cultural crossroads that are the richest and most extensive human heritage. These historic and historical heritage have created major tourist attractions in the region. Revising old patterns of communication along this road and restoring its historical texture will guarantee not only its preservation, but also the survival of the region’s traditions and tourism prosperity. Intended places in this path get meaningful, as a symbol. In this paper, we tried to explore the course of the formation of the path in addition to identifying the capabilities of this important historical cultural road (Heshmatipour 2010).

Iran’s strategic position on the Silk Road in order to Business Development Iran is one of the countries which has benefited good transit advantages in terms of its geographical location. Based on the expansion of the transportation network and reliable and efficient communication, it is possible to use the advantages of Iran in communication with 15 countries across the water and land borders and in the meantime, Iran can play a role of a bridge between other countries and regions of the world. On the other hand, these countries have a large population and have many revenues. Hence, this factor, in addition to the availability of national resources, can be a factor in the development of trade and target markets in the region. The relationship between Central Asian countries and the Persian Gulf is very cost effective as well as the establishment of a commercial relationship between East Asia and European countries through Iran, as many of these countries seek to establish such relations through Iran. The strategic location of Iran, especially a thousand- kilometer route of Tehran-Mashhad, can have many opportunities for Islamic markets. Of course, the proper exploitation of these opportunities and the necessary funding and extensive advertising can be effective in integrating the geographic and unique position of this route. Therefore, the way to exploit these advantages, opportunities and establish transport links with target countries, can play a major role in facilitating the development of business between countries of the region and Asia (Salmanian and Zande Moghaddam 2010). In addition, from the point of view of foreign investment, the countries with this investment path can create prospects for economic prosperity in The Strategic Position of Silk Road and its Role in the Economy of Gilan 57 weaker countries and with the economic alliance, they will help to achieve the economic and financial integration among them. Finally, the birth of economic institutions among the Silk Road countries could coordinate economic activities between these countries in the near future to reach a major financial and economic alliance in the world. Gilan is one of the 31 provinces of Iran. It lies along the Caspian Sea, in Iran’s Region 3, west of the province of Mazandaran, east of the province of Ardabil, and north of the provinces of Zanjan and Qazvin It borders the Republic of Azerbaijan in the north and Russia across the Caspian Sea.The northern part of the province is part of territory of South (Iranian) Talysh. At the center of the province is the main city of Rasht. Other towns in the province include Astara, Astaneh-e Ashrafiyyeh, Fuman, Lahijan, Langrud, Masouleh, Manjil, Rudbar, Rudsar, Shaft, Hashtpar, and Sowme’eh Sara. The main harbor port is Bandar-e Anzali (previously Bandar-e Pahlavi).

It seems that the Gelae (Gilites) entered the region south of the Caspian coast and west of the Amardos River (later Safidrud) in the second or first century B.C.E. Pliny identifies them with the Cadusii who were living there previously. It is more likely that they were a separate people, had come from the region of Dagestan, and taken the place of the Kadusii. That the native inhabitants of Gilan have originating roots in the Caucasus is supported by genetics and language, as Gilaks are genetically closer to ethnic peoples of the Caucasus (such as the Georgians) than they are towards other ethnic groups in Iran. Their languages shares typologic features with Caucasian languages. Gilan has a humid subtropical climate with, by a large margin, the heaviest rainfall in Iran: reaching as high as 1,900 millimetres (75 in) in the southwestern coast and generally around 1,400 millimetres (55 in). Rasht, the 58 Hamidreza Alipour capital of the province, is known internationally as the “City of Silver Rains” and in Iran as the “City of Rain”. Considering Gilan is mostly inhabited by Gilaks, a Gilaki Iranian culture is present in the province that is not much different from other Iranian traditions. The biggest differences are seen in foods, traditional songs, traditional clothes, rural areas and their every-day life, and other traditions such as the Gilaki Calendar and the Gilaki New Year called “Nouruz Bel” which is during the summer. This new year is distinct from the more popular Iranian New Year as it relates to the people of Gilan and their mostly agricultural life. The Gilaki language is a Caspian language, and a member of the northwestern Iranian language branch, spoken in Iran’s Gīlān Province. Gilaki is one of the main languages spoken in the province of Gilan and is divided into three dialects: Western Gilaki, Eastern Gilaki, and Galeshi (in the mountains of Gilan). The western and eastern dialects are separated by the Sefid River.

Union of Silk Road Countries Today, many of the countries in this route have achieved impressive technical technology and can help with the exchange and transfer of these technologies to underdeveloped countries. On the other hand, many of these countries have huge energy reserves. Circulating the right way of these reserves among these countries is an effective step in the economic progress to provide an effective economic context among them. If the turnover between the countries of the Silk Road expands to other countries and they can establish a high level of trade balance mutual affiliations will be created. As a result of these interdependencies, the field for the creation of an integrated integrity will be created. For the development of economic relations, bilateral and multilateral trade agreements, joint investments in the steel industry, petrochemicals, refineries, water and electricity, hotel industry, the establishment of a free trade zone and etc. are among the economic solutions that have to provide the common ground of cooperation and convergence. The formation of a monetary union can also be effective in achieving economic integrity. Uniform currency is also an effective tool in this economic integration. In fact, economic integrity and efforts to reach the financial union can be effective in reducing the economic disparities between the countries of the Silk Road. Undoubtedly, among these countries, there are different countries with different economic fields and talents, each of which has the most important economic potential in the world and on the other hand, countries that are not economically well- positioned. Hence, the expansion of exchanges and economic transactions between these countries can contribute to the development of all the countries on this path and according to the correct criteria, progress can be made for The Strategic Position of Silk Road and its Role in the Economy of Gilan 59 everyone. The same economic relations between the countries of this route, which have enormous economic resources and environments, can help to reach the Union of Silk Road Countries. This great idea among these countries requires prerequisites and requirements that can serve the great aspirations of their nations. With this description for this union, certain economic goals can be defined: – Creating a free trade zone to remove regional customs barriers. – Common Customs Tariff for Foreign Import. – Strengthen bargaining power in negotiations with foreign trade partners. – Creating a common market that gives citizens the right to travel, work and invest in all member countries of the union. – Coordinate development plans to promote convergence. – Adopting a common energy policy. – Coordinating industrial policy, especially on oil-based products. – Adopting a common legal framework for trade and regional investment. – Increasing joint plans to coordinate production chains. – Linking Transportation Networks. The general state of the Silk Road countries is a coherent set of interconnected interrelationships. The decision making model of this complex should be determined in terms of close relationship and direct influence on the benefits of other countries in the path, and the following actions and goals are considered: – The countries of the region should plan and strengthen the political rela- tions, regional alliances and form expert committees to use each other’s economic capabilities and make Silk Road route into a region’s economic and industrial. – In order to focus the collective activities of the Silk Road countries in terms of security and realization of economic development and the achievement of regional strategic objectives, the formation of a community or regional organization called the Economic Council of Silk Roads or the Common- wealth Chamber of Commerce of Silk Road Countries seems necessary. Obviously, in pursuit of these goals, in addition to the economic prosperity of the region, we will see the powerful presence of the countries of the Silk Road in international arenas through the creation of unity in the adoption of political procedures. In this case, the vital role of convergence and joint economic activity is demonstrated in establishing a strong admission for gaining trust and participation in all fields. Economic convergence is the basis for the sustainability and strength of political convergence. 60 Hamidreza Alipour

If the international cooperation of the Silk Road countries focuses on goodwill and a deep understanding of demands, can be effective in integrating international coherence. The experience of establishing regional unions has shown that the first step is to establish friendly relations and cooperation among these countries. Resolving disputes between these countries should be based on peaceful principles. Negotiation, mediation, and arbitration can be the appropriate means for solving natural disagreements among the countries of the Silk Road. By contrast, resorting to violent will far outstrip the distance between these countries. According to current conditions of the world, existing capacities that lead countries to regional cooperation, bipolarity and monopolization, none have responded positively to global developments and now the Globalization Alternative project has become outdated. The formation of the Union of Silk Road Countries can outline its prospects. However, it is a long way to become an effective regional alliance in the world. Today’s world is characterized by the characteristic of globalization and has expanded competition from the economic and political arenas to the social, artistic and cultural spheres. To remain in this complex competition, unity is needed and the effort to create an alliance of countries in the Silk Road is a positive response to the material, and intellectual needs of the countries of the Middle East, Asia, and ultimately the world (Pajouhesh 2010).

Economic belt of Iran – China One of the countries that has had the largest volume of trade with Iran in recent years is China. China’s international understanding of emerging power is becoming increasingly important. The most important international policy priority of this country is to advance the Megaproject of the Silk Road Economic Belt. The mainstream of the research centers is discussing this plan from a geopolitical point of view and explaining the expansionist intentions of China. But the author tried to provide the context for a different understanding of the economic belt of Silk Road in the form of a world value chain. In this framework, by analyzing the content of China’s trade and industrial policy, as well as the Silk Road Economic Belt Action Plan, their relationship with each other is explained in terms of the components of the global value chain. From this perspective, China’s key goal of designing and promoting this large plan is shaping into a China-centric value chain in the Eurasian geographic environment and Africa. Over the past years, more than half of China’s investment projects in Eurasia and Africa have been defined as part of this plan and have been supported by the Chinese government. It is important to say that, Economic Belt of Silk Road has faced key challenges, such as geopolitical competition, the lack of convergence processes in important parts of Eurasia, The Strategic Position of Silk Road and its Role in the Economy of Gilan 61 and the ambiguity surrounding China’s intentional intentions (Shariatinia 2016).

Development of tourism along the Silk Road In the last three decades, increased national income has attracted attention of countries about tourism development and need for large scale planning is always felt. Silk roads along the path of Islamic countries, especially in Iran, due to the large capacity of tourism, have the potential to bring dynamic steps towards tourism development along these worthwhile routes. The importance of recreating the Silk Road in Islamic countries does not require a special document. A vast array of powerful phenomena with cultural, social and religious backgrounds and a category that will be successful in the event of fundamental attention and planning. Tourism valuable position in many countries has caused many plans to summon expert. Methods that have been advanced not only to achieve macroeconomic benefits but also to cultural benefits. Silk Road, considering its extent in a wide range of intercontinental routes, in addition to the economic goals that have led to the creation of this trade route throughout history, will pursue the goals of strengthening the friendship between Islamic countries along this path. Planning the governments of Islamic countries along the Silk Road is of special importance through the investment and spending of funds in cooperation with the ministries and related organizations (Heshmatipour 2012). Based on the World Tourism Organization (WTO), no historical phenomenon has allowed 800 million people to be motivated throughout the world. Accordingly, the design of tourism programs on a local, regional and international scale along the Silk Road will result in significant dynamism. Considering the ethics of philosophy, Islamic ethics is one of the most important issues in the humanities. Because of relying on the teachings of Islamic behavior, it enjoys a certain richness. Emphasis on practical aspects of ethics in the tourism of Islamic countries through the Silk Road and authority and voluntary work of individuals in using it is one of the most important topics (Daryaie 2006). Importance of the new Silk Road: – There is no acceptable methodology for estimating the volume and value of business that will flourish with the opening of highways and railroads in the heart of Central Asia. – Central Asia Regional Economic Cooperation Exchange Corridors are the main means of exchange of the region. These corridors are in particular, be- cause most of the member countries of the Central Asian regional economic 62 Hamidreza Alipour

integration program are confined and exclusively dependent on transit routes for intra-regional transfers and trades. The Asian Development Bank (2014) is working to establish links between member countries with other neighboring countries. – Expansion of trade in emerging transit corridors will have a different impact on each country. These new lines will enable China, Europe, India and Rus- sia to exchange high-value goods more efficiently with ferries or railroads. – The ralU region in Russia and the West Siberia will have access to efficient commercial corridors in India, South East Asia and the Middle East. – Turkey and the Republic of Azerbaijan will become important transit co- untries through Iran and Central Asia connecting the East to the West. The Republic of Azerbaijan will also play a role as a fundamental link between Russia and Iran. – Both Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan will benefit from the expansion of the north-south lines that link Northern Europe and Russia to the Persian Gulf and the Arabian Sea. – Oil and gas producers in the Caspian Sea will benefit from the economic and security benefits of multiple transfer pipelines. The transmission lines will soon enable Tajikistan and the Kyrgyz Republic to access Pakistani markets among the world’s largest hydroelectric power producers. – Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan and Tajikistan will be able to export their most valuable agricultural and cotton products to the markets available in South Asia instead of Russia. This will break the monopoly of Russian exports to the countries of the region. Turkmenistan will also have access to numerous oil and gas buyers (Yazdani and ShahMohammadi 2014). – Afghanistan, like other parts of the region, will benefit from transit and transportation taxes. Pakistani isolation will be eradicated by opening Paki- stani routes and opening new corridors to China from East-West corridors (Esteban and Otero-Iglesias 2015). Meanwhile, this road and this new plan are favorable conditions for Iran, in which the North-South corridor is of special importance. Regardless of the historical and rooted relations between China and Iran the balance of power policy in the international system, with the phrase “east and west competition” on the one hand and “Geostrategic influence on remote areas of land access” means the Persian Gulf on the other hand has made Iran the centerpiece of some of China’s key strategic and strategic areas. The geopolitical role of Iran has long been unpredictable, so that among the countries that are on the path to the new Silk Road, Iran is one of the countries that has the ability to play a positive and constructive role in the development of communications between Asian countries. In the current situation, given the advantages of having the shortest route to Europe, Iran can play a valuable role in transit of goods after The Strategic Position of Silk Road and its Role in the Economy of Gilan 63 the revival and completion of the Silk Road. The geographic location of Iran has given this country a special significance in terms of the movement of goods and the transport of oil and gas pipelines in the global economy. Iran can benefit from this advantage and improve its economic position at the regional and global levels. North-South corridor is the most important international transport corridor that has been created in the transit of goods between Asian and European countries so far is. This corridor brings transatlantic links to the Nordic countries, Scandinavia and Russia through Iran with the Gulf States, the Indian Ocean and Southeast Asia. This transportation corridor which an important part of it passes from Iran, is currently one of the shortest, least expensive and fastest transit routes between Asia and Europe. Iran has plans to complete and extend its communication with the countries of the region: – Reconstruction of Taftan-Kuwait Railway in Pakistan to connect Iran-Pa- kistan nationwide rail networks linking Europe and Asia. – Connecting Iran and Azerbaijan through the railroad of Qazvin-Rasht- -Anzali – Astara.

Gilan province In this regard, the relative advantages of Gilan province, which is considered as the northern provinces of Iran is a very capable province in a wide range of areas. This potential and advantages in various sectors of agriculture, industry and tourism are quite visible. Gilan province with about 9.0% of the total area of Iran, produces 92.1% of tea, 37.6% of rice, 76.2% of hazelnut, 85.1% of silk, 60% of peanut, 21.4% of olive, 2.7% of citrus, 13.4% of sturgeon, 4% of chicken, 5.1% of red meat, 22.4% of fish breeding and 15% of caviar of the country. This province has a port for loading and unloading goods with the capacity of 6.5 million tons per year. It has a special advantage by having a free trade zone with six different types of airports, an international airport and three active regional customs and it is also under construction, 200 km of railway between Qazvin-Rasht-Anzali to complete the North-South corridor and in all sectors of the economy, it has the potential of domestic and foreign investment. Hence, a platform for economic activity is ready.

Economic Geographical Advantages – Having a privileged geographic position and staying on the Nostrack Corridor. 64 Hamidreza Alipour

– Neighborhood with Central Asian countries through Earth and Blue. – Natural resources and massive forests and prone climate and fertile soil of agriculture and unique Anzali wetland and beautiful beaches. – Flooding of permanent and flood waters of Sefidrud, Pul Rud, Korganroud, Shafarood and etc. – The existence of the Anzali Special Zone, which has become an industrial free trade zone, approved by the Islamic Consultative Assembly. – Commercial and agricultural hub since long time ago. – Temperate climate and beautiful nature. – Sea access to the ports of Astrakhan and Russia. – Journey is short through Gilan.

Productive and economic advantages – One of the industrial poles of the country, especially in the agricultural and maritime conversion industries, as well as in the cellulosic and textile industries (among the top ten provinces of the country). – Having raw materials for the development of conversion industries. – There are large industries such as paper and textile and steel. – The existence of settlements and industrial areas in different parts of the province. – Skilled, educated and ready-made labor in various economic sectors. – Cheap energy sources such as water, electricity, gas and etc.

Infrastructure Advantages – There are 4 power plants in Loshan and Rasht, Manjil water power plant and Manjil wind power plant and large electricity distribution and transmission networks in the province. – Fuel tanks up to 200 million liters, kerosene, gasoline and gas oil for gas to Gilan, Ardebil and West Mazandaran. – Enjoy extensive transportation networks, Rasht International Airport and Anzali and Astara ports. – The existence of a common border market with Azerbaijan. – The existence of universities and technical and vocational training centers and industrial and agricultural research institutes provides skilled and specialized human resources in the province. The Strategic Position of Silk Road and its Role in the Economy of Gilan 65

– Implementation of the program of office automation and the establishment of the physical and critical infrastructure for the development of informa- tion technology (IT) in the central of the province. – Freeway Qazvin-Rasht. – Qazvin-Bandar-Anzali Railway Construction Project. – Port and shipping facilities in Anzali area.

Service Benefits – The existence of an investment service center in the province. – A plan to create a permanent exhibition of services and goods. – Having a vast network of financial, monetary and credit institutions (public and private). – The existence of public and private organizations in the field of commercial and economic services such as the chamber of commerce, industry and mines, the house of industry, the Association of Industrial Directors and etc. – There are two customs in Anzali and Astara, as well as the customs of Rasht Airport. – Having the right silos, warehouses and refrigerators. – The possibility of land assignment for investment in economic activities. – Access to the market of 300 million Central Asian countries.

Gilan in the past and the future In Sassanid times, the great way to earn revenue for the Persian Empire, the silk trade and the collection of customs duties was from merchants and caravans who were passing through Iran. China at that time imported from Iran Wismah, carpets, precious stones and textiles. One of the most important exports of China to Iran was silk, which was the currency of the Byzantine court and was more important than gold and precious stones. Gilan silk has a global reputation, as the silk market of Gilan, due to its widespread prosperity until World War II, has led silk merchants from the furthest parts of the globe to this border. Therefore, the cultivation of blackberry and the development of silkworm in Iran, especially Gilan, have long been commonplace and in most homes, Silkworm has been routine. Hamdollah Mostofi referred to four cities of Gilan-Tulum, Rasht, Fouman and Lahijan in the eighth century, referring to silk in the products of all four cities. With the prosperity of commercial relations between Iran and Europe after the period of the Ilkhans, businessmen from different countries, including 66 Hamidreza Alipour

Europeans, came to Iran and among the products of interest were silk, silk products, carpets and silk rugs. Marco Polo, an Italian traveler who traveled to Iran in the late seventeenth century, talked with the genuinely merchant shipping shipwreck in the Caspian Sea. According to him, they had important business relations with Iran and were trading silk with the people of Gilan. By setting up a shipping line, these merchants planned to carry silk in northern Iran and China through the Dan and Volga to Europe. The genes also plan to export silk from the Caspian Sea. Marco Polo in this period refers to raw silk of Gilan called „herd” or „Guillaume”. On the other hand, raw silk contributed to the unification and cohesion of economic areas through the cultural and capitalist borders, and, on the other, revealed the confrontation between European maritime trades. Due to the importance of silk and its abundance in Gilan, in 975 AD, English Edwards came to Iran and became an officer for the purchase of silk in Gilan. He admired the Silk of Gilan, and considered it much better and cheaper than the silk of the Caucasus, and built a home in Rasht. Following him, Chapman in Gilan began trading operations. In the sequel, Anthony Jenkinson was looking for a silk trade in Gilan through the Caspian Sea to Russia, but did not succeed because of the Cossack navy. Apart from this main route, which originated from many commercial, cultural, and even ethnic exchanges, between Iran and China, the Caspian Sea coast had a special relationship with Asia and China. Thus, it can be said that the geolocation of Gilan has given it special importance to the province in terms of the movement of goods. Gilan can benefit from this advantage, and improve its economic status at the regional and global levels. This requires understanding the realities, taking advantage of opportunities and getting prepared to compete with regional and international rivals. Strengthening commercial and industrial routes, especially in international and strategic routes and creating the necessary infrastructure, is one of the most important measures that are being taken in all countries of the world. The revival of trade routes through Gilan and then its transfer to other countries depends on building the infrastructure needed for this and a Memorandum of Understanding done with China has also been made to achieve this goal. The supply of agricultural products in import and export is considered one of the economic spheres of the Silk Road trade. To succeed in the agricultural economy, it is necessary to use the water and soil capacities of the countries on the Silk Road route. The Strategic Position of Silk Road and its Role in the Economy of Gilan 67

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Strategiczne położenie Jedwabnego Szlaku i jego rola w gospodarce Gilanu

Streszczenie Jedwabny Szlak jest głównym ogniwem między głównymi uczestnikami dawnych cywilizacji na trzech kontynentach Eurazji. Iran jest jednym z kra- jów, które korzystają z zalet tranzytu ze względu na położenie geograficzne. Wraz z rozwojem sieci transportowej oraz sprawną komunikacją, Iran może korzystać z tych relacji z 15 krajami poprzez swoje granice. To z kolei jest bar- dzo korzystne dla powiązań między państwami Azji Środkowej i państwami Zatoki Perskiej, a także nawiązania stosunków handlowych między Azją Wschodnią a krajami europejskimi przez Iran. Podobnie rozwój stosunków gospodarczych, dwustronne i wielostronne porozumienia handlowe, wspólne inwestycje w przemyśle stalowym, petrochemicznym, rafineryjnym, wodno- -elektrycznym i hotelarskim oraz utworzenie strefy wolnego handlu należą do rozwiązań ekonomicznych, które mogą tworzyć wspólną płaszczyznę 68 Hamidreza Alipour

współpracy i konwergencji. W osiągnięciu integracji gospodarczej może być również skuteczna unia walutowa. W rzeczywistości integracja gospodarcza i próba utworzenia unii finansowej mogą skutecznie zmniejszyć dysproporcje gospodarcze między krajami Jedwabnego Szlaku, a także utworzyć regionalną organizację o nazwie Rada Gospodarcza Jedwabnego Szlaku lub Wspólnota Jedwabnego Szlaku. Przewaga związana z korzystnym położeniem geogra- ficznym prowincji Gilan może przynieść wiele korzyści i poprawić status ekonomiczny Gilanu i Iranu na poziomie regionalnym i globalnym.

Słowa kluczowe: rozwój stosunków gospodarczych, Jedwabny Szlak, Prowincja Gilan.

Kody JEL: F10, O24

Artykuł zaakceptowany do druku w październiku 2018 roku.

Afiliacja: Hamidreza Alipour, PhD Islamic Azad University Department of Management & Economic, Rasht Branch Rasht, Iran e-mail: [email protected]