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Iran Petchem Parks to Drive Technological Leap, Says Industry Leader

Iran Petchem Parks to Drive Technological Leap, Says Industry Leader
(Monday, May 19, 2025) 14:34

TEHRAN (NIPNA) – Iran’s petrochemical parks could become a launchpad for a major technological transformation in the country’s petrochemical sector, according to Ali Vatani, Chairman of the Board of Horizon Persian Gulf Petrochemical Parks Company.

Vatani emphasized the need to move beyond crude sales and focus on completing the petrochemical value chain. “With national resolve, facilitation for knowledge-based enterprises, and trust in domestic capabilities, Iran can become a global, technology-driven player in the petrochemical industry,” he told NIPNA.

Unlike conventional petrochemical operations, Vatani said the company’s parks aim to utilize local knowledge-based capacities to create added value. He gave an example of converting methanol feedstock into up to 27 downstream products through innovative processes—work typically beyond the scope of traditional petrochemical complexes.

Around 70% of investments in the parks, Vatani said, are expected to come from the private sector. “We’re targeting missing links in the value chain—areas where the private sector has both the interest and the capacity to invest,” he added.

One of the flagship initiatives includes developing a fully localized production chain for 13 types of agricultural fertilizers, starting from raw materials such as sulfur. This strategy, Vatani said, could eliminate imports and open pathways for exports.

Addressing misconceptions about Iran’s technological capabilities, Vatani noted that nearly 85% of catalysts used in the country’s petrochemical sector are now produced domestically. He cited companies like Smart Catalyst, which not only meet local demand for urea, ammonia, and phosphate catalysts but also export to advanced economies including Germany and China.

Vatani, also a faculty member at the University of Tehran, called for coordinated national efforts to localize technology, retain talent, and promote balanced industrial growth. “We must abandon defeatist language. With practical belief in our domestic strengths, we can create sustainable jobs and drive growth in underdeveloped regions.”

He stressed that petrochemical expansion should be strategically located—preferably in coastal zones with access to water and export infrastructure. Currently, all Horizon Persian Gulf petrochemical parks are situated along Iran’s southern coast, from Chabahar to Arvand.

Vatani also highlighted the role of a new generation of oil and gas executives—many of whom he trained—urging institutional support for their initiatives. “These individuals combine scientific knowledge with managerial competence and are ready to take the industry forward.”

Addressing Iran’s global image, Vatani said the country must shed its “crude exporter” label. “By extending the value chain, Iran can emerge as a technology-based economy. Even from saline seawater, it is possible to build new value chains that can influence global markets.”

He added that the parks have adopted a strategic focus on advanced technologies, including artificial intelligence, nanotechnology, and advanced chemical processes. “This is not just ambition—it is a plan grounded in expertise and national synergy.”

“I see a bright, technology-rich future for Iran,” Vatani concluded. “If we act scientifically, realistically, and strategically, we can get there.”

 


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