Speaking at the inauguration of the 15th Iran Petrochemical
Forum (IPF), Shahmirzaei noted that last year, Iran exported 30 million tonnes
of petrochemical products and projected the industry’s real production to reach
80 million tonnes by the end of 2024.
In his remarks, Shahmirzaei expressed gratitude to the
national oil, gas, and refining companies for their collaboration with the
petrochemical industry, which has alleviated concerns regarding feedstock
supply. He underscored that securing a stable feedstock is vital for the
industry’s operations and growth.
Highlighting Iran's leading position in global oil and gas
reserves, Shahmirzaei called for continued advancements towards renewable
energy and the reduction of fossil fuel consumption, urging policymakers to
facilitate and remove obstacles to further develop the petrochemical sector. He
noted the recent launch of six petrochemical projects within the past month and
a half, with an additional 15 projects expected to come online by the end of
the year.
Shahmirzaei also mentioned the signing of investment
agreements worth approximately $6.5 billion by petrochemical holdings in the
upstream oil industry to secure a stable feedstock supply. Although this is not
a primary priority, it reflects the industry's commitment to national
development and value chain completion.
For the future, Shahmirzaei stressed the need to create a
conducive environment for growth and development to prevent youth emigration
and ensure prosperous futures, with the petrochemical industry playing a
crucial role due to its diverse needs and contributions.
Currently, around 130 petrochemical projects are under
development in Iran, requiring over $100 billion in investment. Shahmirzaei
pointed out that significant discounts are now available for petrochemical
units investing at least 40% of their annual profits in development, with up to
30% discount on gas feedstock and 17% on liquid feedstock, depending on the
location and type of product.
He emphasized the importance of efficient human resource
management and the need for workers in the petrochemical sector to be
well-versed in global technologies. Shahmirzaei announced the unveiling of a
locally produced catalyst stamp, marking a significant milestone in the
domestication of oil industry catalysts.
In closing, Shahmirzaei reiterated the vital role of the
petrochemical industry in job creation and economic growth, calling for
collective efforts from the government, NPC, private sector, and investors to
overcome development challenges. He highlighted ongoing development in regions
such as Assaluyeh, Kangan, Deyr, Siraf, and Parsian Energy-Intensive Zone,
aiming to maximize the use of national infrastructure and opportunities.
The 15th IPF, hosted by the NPC, is held on August 4-5,
2024, at the IRIB Conference Center, focusing on "Clean Technology."