Ahmad Shokri, Director of Projects at the National
Petrochemical Company, referred to negotiations conducted with neighboring and
like-minded countries, highlighting Iran's commitment to expanding
international relations during the thirteenth government's tenure.
He stated, "We have declared our readiness to
implement up to one hundred petrochemical processes, from technical knowledge
to commissioning, in petrochemical projects nationwide."
Shokri emphasized that the majority of the National
Petrochemical Company's project management activities focus on addressing
issues and challenges in petrochemical projects, with the aim of expediting
their completion.
He noted that approximately one hundred petrochemical
projects have been defined within the framework of the Seventh and Eighth
Development Plans.
He added, "Based on the current planning, the
annual capacity of the petrochemical industry will reach 200 million tons by
the end of the 8th Development Plan. Achieving this capacity
requires $90 billion in capital, with $36 billion allocated in the 7th
Development Plan, of which 30% has already been spent."
The Director of Projects at the National
Petrochemical Company further revealed that out of the one hundred
petrochemical projects, fifty-eight are currently active, with an average
progress rate of approximately 31%. These projects will encompass the entire
value chain, from basic products to final products.
Shokri stressed the National Petrochemical Company's
commitment to completing the value chain and ensuring balanced development in
the petrochemical industry.
He stated, "To enhance the progress of these
projects, we need the support of relevant government agencies, banks, and the
National Development Fund for financial resources."
Regarding the creation and provision of necessary
infrastructure for petrochemical projects aimed at exports, sales, and storage
of products, Shokri said, "Concurrently with increasing the capacity of
the petrochemical industry, the development of export ports is also
underway."
He noted that the export wharf capacity in Asaluyeh
will more than double, increasing from 20 million tons annually to 42 million
tons, with the utilization of Sabalan and Pars Kian Khavarmianeh units. Shokri added, "With the expansion of green storage tanks in Asaluyeh, the
capacity for methanol storage for export has also increased."
Shokri highlighted the National Petrochemical
Company's focus on procuring goods and equipment domestically and stated,
"Approximately $10 billion has been spent in the past two years on
procuring equipment and goods for petrochemical projects. Over 80% of these
goods, totaling around $8 billion, have been sourced from domestic companies,
some of which are involved in first-time manufacturing, eliminating the need
for foreign imports."
The Director of Projects at the National
Petrochemical Company pointed out that approximately 15 items of equipment and
materials in the petrochemical industry have been localized by knowledge-based
companies during the thirteenth government. He added, "Currently, at least
40% and a maximum of 90% of petrochemical projects utilize domestically
produced equipment and materials. The capability of domestic companies in manufacturing
equipment and essential goods is highly commendable."
Shokri concluded by mentioning the review of
petrochemical projects under the thirteenth government and stated, "In the
revision of petrochemical projects, around 13 project permits for various reasons,
including financial issues on the part of investors, technical knowledge
acquisition, and unforeseen challenges, have been revoked. Currently,
preliminary approval for 30% of petrochemical projects is under review."
He noted that project permits are issued in
accordance with the current development industry model for applicants who can
provide the necessary feedstock and capital and adhere to the development
model's procedures.