Mohammad Amin Abbaszadeh, Head of Public Relations at Tabriz
Petrochemical Company, argues that PR can serve as a key enabler of
“communicative policy-making,” bridging upstream and downstream segments of the
industry, policymakers and market players, as well as government and private stakeholders.
These linkages function as a “soft infrastructure” for development.
He notes that, in an era defined by economic pressure, rapid
technological shifts, environmental imperatives, and rising public scrutiny,
the role of PR must be redefined. The Seventh Development Plan seeks to elevate
the petrochemical sector toward greater value creation, more effective
governance, and smarter global engagement. PR, if restructured and empowered,
can play a central role in achieving these objectives.
Rather than relying on slogans, Abbaszadeh emphasizes PR’s role in
building consensus among experts, informing public opinion, and enabling
society to support necessary reforms—such as diversification of energy sources
or subsidy reforms. Without social legitimacy, he warns, even well-designed
policies are likely to fail.
In the domain of industrial investment, PR can present a compelling
vision of Iran’s petrochemical future, showcasing technological capacities and
long-term prospects—key elements sought by both domestic and international
investors. In today’s trust-based economy, the ability to craft credible
narratives, respond to concerns, and build national industrial brands is vital.
However, Abbaszadeh points out that many PR departments in Iranian
petrochemical companies remain reactive and marginal, lacking a proactive,
strategic posture. He calls for a transformation that includes:
- Embracing
digitalization and AI
- Improving
media literacy among PR teams
- Recruiting
professionals in communications and branding
- Establishing
dynamic ties with policy institutions
PR can also act as a complementary arm of Iran’s industrial diplomacy.
Faced with sanctions, regional competition, and a challenging global image, official
diplomacy alone is not enough. Multi-layered storytelling—highlighting Iran’s
technological, environmental, and human capital—can support brand-building,
market engagement, and strategic communication with global stakeholders.
To achieve this, Iran needs PR professionals at the intersection of
international communication, industrial branding, and global energy market
awareness.
Ultimately, Abbaszadeh concludes, PR must not be seen as a peripheral
function, but as an integral driver of development. Whether it is protecting
social capital, shaping national discourse, translating technical data into
accessible narratives, or steering public opinion during difficult decisions, a
progressive PR approach is essential. Iran’s petrochemical industry stands on
the brink of a historic leap—one that will only materialize if it is narrated
in a way that builds trust, generates consensus, and inspires confidence. That
is the art—and responsibility—of modern public relations.