Mohammad Tala Mazloumi, in an interview with NIPNA, stated that Iran
must move beyond raw material exports in the petrochemical sector and aim for
higher value-added positions. “We need to earn the trust of investors and
direct liquidity towards the development of the petrochemical industry,” he
noted. He added that despite challenges, the industry has entered a trajectory
of growth relying on domestic capabilities.
Referring to sanctions against Iran's oil industry and the Petroleum
Minister, Mazloumi argued that such sanctions only confirm the effectiveness of
Iran’s energy sector. “Sanctions are not new. Over recent years, Iran’s oil and
petrochemical industries have managed to achieve significant gains despite the
harshest sanctions,” he said.
He affirmed that exports of petrochemical products continue
successfully, and despite obstacles, the sector has maintained robust foreign
sales.
Mazloumi also pointed to planned downstream petrochemical projects
with short-term investment horizons and high added value, which not only meet
domestic demand but also curb foreign currency outflow by replacing imports.
He concluded that job creation in the petrochemical sector should be a
national priority, urging the government to provide special incentives and
support, especially in areas with high employment potential.