Hossein Afshin, Vice President for Science, Technology, and
Knowledge-Based Economy, emphasized the administration’s commitment to
enhancing productivity in the petrochemical sector by supporting emerging
technologies. Speaking at a press conference on Tuesday at the PetroFan event
held at the Oil Industry Conference Center in Tehran, Afshin highlighted the
pivotal role of petrochemicals in bolstering Iran's economy.
"The petrochemical industry is not only a major source of foreign
exchange revenue but also a catalyst for developing downstream value chains and
generating added value in the country," Afshin said. However, he noted
that incomplete value chains remain a challenge, often due to budget
constraints and short-term profit-driven policies.
Afshin identified insufficient investment in research, development,
and advanced technologies as one of the industry's pressing challenges.
“Technologies are evolving rapidly, and failure to adapt could lead to
significant long-term issues,” he cautioned.
He pointed to digital transformation as a key priority. "An
industry that disregards research and innovation is destined to fail.
Initiating the journey towards smart technologies in petrochemicals is a
critical step. By leveraging emerging technologies, particularly artificial
intelligence, we aim to enhance productivity and reduce production costs,"
Afshin stated.
The vice president also highlighted plans to honor innovative managers
at the event, emphasizing that the recognition goes beyond symbolic value.
"This is about identifying and showcasing managers who have implemented
innovation. The award carries prestige that helps elevate the profile of those
leading transformative efforts," he explained.
Afshin further stressed the importance of addressing technological
needs through collaboration with knowledge-based companies, calling the
PetroFan event a platform for bridging gaps in innovation. “Today’s world is
about showcasing and exchanging ideas. Such platforms enable effective
information exchange,” he added.
The PetroFan 2024 event, co-organized by the Persian Gulf
Petrochemical Industries Company and the vice presidency for science and
technology, is set to take place from December 22 to 24. The event will focus
on addressing technological needs, introducing innovative companies, and
fostering collaboration within the petrochemical industry.