Speaking during the Administrative Council meeting in Bandar Mahshahr,
Paknejad highlighted both the region's significant petrochemical capacities and
the challenges it faces. “There is a stark mismatch between the vast
petrochemical potential here and the existing deprivation in this area. We must
identify and address the root causes of this gap,” he remarked.
He underscored the government’s emphasis on unity and collaboration,
as advocated by President Masoud Pezeshkian. “While some may view this as a
mere slogan, the 14th administration firmly believes that avoiding division is
a key strategy to overcoming national challenges,” he added.
The Minister reiterated the administration’s vision to enhance the
Islamic Republic’s development, economic prosperity, and the welfare of its
people. “Through teamwork and mutual support, we can achieve the ambitious
goals outlined,” he stated.
Paknejad referred to the 8% economic growth target set in the Seventh
Development Plan, noting that while ambitious, it is attainable with proper
planning and effective utilization of limited resources. He highlighted
quantitative goals, including reaching crude oil production of 4.58 million
barrels per day by 1407, despite the substantial effort required to offset
annual declines.
The Minister expressed confidence in achieving these targets by
leveraging the nation’s technological expertise and investment in developing
viable oil fields. Additionally, he pointed to the goal of producing 1.35
billion cubic meters of raw gas per day, a figure he described as challenging
but achievable given the potential of gas fields with expansion capabilities.
This comprehensive strategy reflects the administration’s commitment
to addressing both national energy demands and the socio-economic needs of the
petrochemical industry’s host regions.