Ali
Manizadeh, representing the Persian Gulf Petrochemical Industries Company (PGPIC),
delivered these remarks during a workshop titled "Chemical Parks: An
Effective Step for Completing the Value Chain and Preventing Raw Material
Sales." The workshop took place on the second day of the 17th IranPlast
International Exhibition in Hall 35.
Manizadeh
stated, "The development of the petrochemical industry must be based on
four principles: feedstock, technology, capital, and the market. To succeed in
this industry, we must move towards producing more complex products."
He
highlighted the major challenges faced by Iran's petrochemical industry,
including natural gas shortages, the future uncertain supply of feedstock to
industries, feedstock shortages (gas and liquids), and a lack of liquidity. To
address these challenges, it is necessary to move towards producing more
complex and higher-value products, which in turn necessitates transitioning
away from raw material sales and embracing advanced technologies in this
sector.
Manizadeh
referred to a study conducted by the PGPIC regarding the necessity of
establishing chemical parks and added, "In this regard, BASF, one of the
world's largest producers of petrochemical products, has been successful in
setting up chemical parks."
He continued
by stating, "BASF's revenue in 2021 exceeded 88 billion euros, and the
company has four main hubs in Africa and the Middle East, Europe, North
America, and East Asia."
Manizadeh
added, "In recent years, BASF has optimized energy consumption, minimized
waste, and promoted material exchange through the establishment of chemical
parks. The company's research and development subsidiaries have entered six
specific areas: chemical materials, advanced materials, industrial solutions,
coatings and resins, food, pharmaceuticals, health, and agriculture."
Highlighting
that BASF is operating in the same field as Iran in terms of chemical
materials, Manizadeh mentioned that Iran has not yet made specific strides in other
areas such as advanced materials, which are predominantly compound-related, or
industrial solutions that generate revenue for companies.
Manizadeh
concluded by stressing that there is no alternative to moving towards chemical
parks. The Persian Gulf Holding is planning to establish nine chemical parks in
Iran, facilitating excellent communication between the feedstock and the final
product sectors, and contributing to the creation of value chains.
The 17th
IranPlast International Exhibition, which began on Sunday, September 17, with a
focus on completing the value chain, supporting domestic production, and
promoting local manufacturing, is set to run for four days in Tehran's
permanent international exhibition grounds.