Speaking at the 11th Petrochemical Industry Excellence Festival,
Abbaszadeh, who also serves as CEO of the National Petrochemical Company (NPC),
highlighted the industry’s resilience despite challenges such as feedstock
shortages and geopolitical shifts.
“The petrochemical industry is at the forefront of adopting modern
management systems, and this festival provides a platform for evaluating and
enhancing company performance,” he said, emphasizing the importance of
flexibility in navigating market fluctuations.
Strategic Management and Technological Innovation
Abbaszadeh underscored the need for advanced management approaches to
optimize operations and improve efficiency.
“Participation in the Excellence Award process not only allows
companies to benchmark their performance but also offers an opportunity for
constructive feedback and continuous improvement,” he noted. “Excellence is not
a fixed destination; it is a continuous journey.”
Leadership and Human Capital: Key Pillars of Industry Growth
Addressing key evaluation criteria for industry advancement,
Abbaszadeh stressed the importance of leadership and human capital.
“Leaders must not only possess an in-depth understanding of their
business but also be capable of adapting to technological and geopolitical
changes that directly impact the petrochemical sector,” he said.
He also highlighted the role of artificial intelligence in
revolutionizing the industry, saying, “AI-driven solutions can significantly
enhance process optimization and managerial decision-making.”
On human resources, he emphasized the value of workforce engagement,
stating, “Our employees are the most valuable asset of this industry. When
managers treat their teams with respect and goodwill, motivation and commitment
increase, driving organizational success.”
Feedstock Challenges and Underutilized Capacity
Abbaszadeh pointed to feedstock supply as a persistent issue, warning
that underutilized production capacity currently stands at around 22%.
“If this trend continues, the imbalance could exceed 30 million tons
by the end of the Seventh Development Plan,” he cautioned. “We must implement
effective strategies to secure feedstock and maximize existing capacities.”
Concluding his remarks, the deputy oil minister acknowledged the
contributions of festival organizers and previous industry leaders. “This event
has played a crucial role in advancing the petrochemical sector. Continued
collaboration among managers and industry experts will be key to achieving the
country’s development goals,” he said.