Speaking on Thursday, Morteza Shahmirzaei highlighted the administration's
strategic focus on maritime development, emphasizing the sector's robust
infrastructure and potential.
Addressing representatives of NPC's General Assembly during their
visit to several petrochemical complexes in Assaluyeh, Shahmirzaei underscored
the significance of developing value-added petrochemical projects along the
Persian Gulf and Oman Sea.
He noted that ongoing strategic initiatives in Assaluyeh, Siraf,
Kangan, Parsian Energy Intensive Zone, and Lamerd are set to transform the
industry, diversify the petrochemical product portfolio, boost economic growth,
and create employment opportunities.
Shahmirzaei also pointed out that the first phase of the Negin Makran
power plant is expected to commence operations by the end of the year. The
geographical positioning of the Jask region, he added, presents a promising
outlook for balanced petrochemical industry development, with the Makran coast
being a secure host for these projects.
Domestic Production of Industry Needs
The NPC chief emphasized the importance of reducing reliance on
foreign sources by moving towards domestic production to meet industry
requirements.
He noted that Iran currently produces 550 grades of various
petrochemical products. With new investments, production capacity will
increase, meeting domestic demands and significantly boosting exports.
Shahmirzaei highlighted advancements in the localization of catalysts,
mentioning that the Petrochemical Research and Technology Company is nearing
the final stages of domestically producing catalysts for the oil and
petrochemical industries. This development has allowed many of the industry's
catalyst needs to be met internally.
He proudly mentioned that the Petrochemical Research and Technology
Company achieved the top rank globally in diverse technical knowledge
production and sales for the first time last year, marking a significant
achievement for Iran's petrochemical industry.
Addressing Production Barriers
Shahmirzaei called for the removal of barriers hindering production
growth. He urged the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Finance to work
collaboratively with the petrochemical sector to resolve issues such as customs
regulations. He also highlighted the need for effective cooperation with the
Budget and Planning Organization to facilitate the construction of development
projects.
He appealed to the Ministry of Energy to ensure a stable power supply
to petrochemical plants, especially those along the western ethylene pipeline,
citing that companies like Mobin, Fajr, and Damavand are already supplying
electricity to the national grid in southern Iran.
Shahmirzaei mentioned that last year's credit sales of petrochemical
products significantly benefited downstream industries, enabling companies to
meet their needs more efficiently, a trend expected to continue this year.
Concluding his remarks, Shahmirzaei stressed the importance of legal
and practical measures to address the issue of urea producers' receivables. He
called for increased cooperation to enhance production capacity and underscored
the importance of synergy among General Assembly members to achieve the
industry's goals.
The session saw participation from representatives of the Ministries
of Oil, Economic Affairs and Finance, Industry, Mine and Trade, Labor and
Social Welfare, Energy, and the Budget and Planning Organization.