Hassan Abbaszadeh made these remarks during the commemoration of
Persian Gulf Day at the 7th Iran Expo, highlighting the role of the South Pars
gas field in fueling the development of the petrochemical industry, which has
led to the establishment of half of Iran's petrochemical capacity in Bushehr
province.
Abbaszadeh pointed out that the growth of the petrochemical industry
has fostered independence in many industrial sectors and that the next step
involves focusing on opportunities to complete the value chain. He noted that
numerous petrochemical products have the potential for further development in
the value chain.
He mentioned a visit to a booth where polymer products were being
converted into compounds, citing an example where polyethylene could see a two-
to threefold increase in value through further production steps. This offers a
significant opportunity to develop downstream industries in the country.
Abbaszadeh also referenced the export of half of the country's five
million tons of polyethylene production, noting that the remaining 2.5 million
tons could be utilized for value-added production in downstream industries.
He highlighted the excellent potential of Bushehr province for value
chain completion, with a development plan for the northern and southern parts
of Bushehr under Phase 3 of Asalouyeh. This plan includes a petrochemical
downstream industries region, which offers favorable conditions for increasing
the value of polymer products.
The CEO emphasized that the National Petrochemical Company would
support the development of downstream industries in Bushehr and provide
necessary incentives, including offering land to investors for value chain
investments.
Abbaszadeh also discussed the capacity to utilize methanol production,
with approximately 10 million tons of methanol produced annually, most of which
is exported. He encouraged investment in the methanol value chain, which can be
redirected towards chemical production, fuel additives, and as a base for
paints and resins.
Additionally, he noted that Bushehr province needs a chlorine value
chain, which had been overlooked despite various industries in the region. A
project for this value chain has been approved, and further cooperation with
the provincial government is planned.
Abbaszadeh concluded by reaffirming that petrochemical industry
development in Bushehr will be based on maritime-focused strategies, in line
with the 7th Development Plan, and he expressed hope that the presentation of
investment opportunities will attract investors to the value-added downstream
petrochemical industry.