Iran ranked third in dam construction industry worldwide, Iranian First Vice President Mohammad Reza Rahimi said on Saturday. Speaking to reporters on the sidelines of the 13th meeting of directors of electricity and water industry, he noted that Tehran was dependent on foreign countries in the past but today Iran is the top country in the region in terms of possessing advanced technology. “Although Tehran has been the target of sanctions of enemies for more than three decades, today Iran ranks the first in region and the 16th in the world in terms of electricity output,” Rahimi added. Rahimi said that there are 135 dams under construction which after getting operational, they will help the development of agriculture nationwide. Iran has become a leading constructor of dams. Iran says the advancements it has made in the past years have enabled it to enter dam construction contracts with other countries. Iranian specialists now provide consultation services for the design and construction of various sizes of dams. According to the Iranian officials, many countries including Sri Lanka, Syria, and Tajikistan as well as African states have entered either dam construction or consultation projects with Tehran.