Ahmad Mahdavi-Abhari made these remarks during the opening
ceremony of the 15th Iran Petrochemical Forum (IPF).
He stated that the seventh development plan envisions an 8%
growth rate and an annual 23% increase in non-oil exports, which includes the
petrochemical sector. He noted that the production capacity of the
petrochemical industry must increase from the current 96 million tons to 131.5
million tons in the seventh development plan.
He highlighted that the capacity of 96 million tons was
achieved between the third and sixth development plans, and a 30% increase in
this new plan requires essential infrastructure and conditions to be
established by the government, the National Petrochemical Company, and the
private sector.
Mahdavi-Abhari stressed the importance of the private sector
demonstrating its capabilities, as it has played a significant role thus far.
He referenced the signing of ten investment memorandums with the Ministry of
Oil aimed at producing 200 million cubic meters of gas daily, which would help
secure sustainable feedstock for the industry and address the country's gas
imbalance.
He reiterated that sustainable feedstock supply is crucial
for the petrochemical sector and welcomed the supportive stance of the
fourteenth government toward the private sector. He underscored the
significance of the petrochemical industry as a driving force for the country,
contributing significantly to foreign exchange earnings and production.
Mahdavi-Abhari noted the need for the petrochemical industry
to remain competitive amid sanctions, emphasizing the active involvement of the
private sector. He mentioned ongoing efforts to support clean energy projects
to secure necessary funding and announced a contract nearing completion to
replace ordinary heaters with financing from China.
He concluded by stating that the petrochemical industry, in
collaboration with the National Petrochemical Company, is pursuing its
objectives logically and without excessive demands to fulfill its role in the
national economy.