Behzad Mohammadi told the Iranian Petrochemical Value Chain Conference that three conditions are essential for sustainable development: a comprehensive roadmap, competent managers, and effective execution.
“Our record in developing the value chain is not satisfactory,” Mohammadi said. “Do we have the right roadmap? Do we have managers able to apply it? And are we executing it properly? Without all three together, development will not happen.”
He urged the National Petrochemical Company (NPC) to continue updating its so-called “strategic roadmaps” for methanol, propylene, ethylene and aromatics, and to take a stronger role in guiding upstream feedstock supply from refineries to support downstream investment.
Structural flaws and misplaced projects
Mohammadi criticised politically driven projects that prioritised “showcasing” petrochemical plants in provinces without feedstock or market advantages. “These projects have no economic logic, only political pressure. They waste resources and create long-term burdens,” he said.
He also pointed to delays that have left many plants unfinished for more than a decade. “In the world, a methanol project takes three to four years. In Iran we have methanol plants still incomplete after ten years. Time kills the economics of projects,” he said, noting that delays have locked up billions of dollars and undermined returns.
Private sector vs. semi-state firms
Mohammadi contrasted the performance of private investors with semi-state conglomerates, saying private firms advance projects about three times faster. “Quasi-state companies have capital but use it inefficiently. The private sector is cautious but effective,” he said, urging a greater role for private firms in downstream expansion.
He also criticised the lack of accountability for poor project selection. “Managers are never questioned for wrong choices that waste billions. Without accountability, mistakes repeat,” he said.
Government’s role
Mohammadi said the government must provide the investment climate and international partnerships that regional rivals such as Qatar and Iraq are already securing. “Creating the environment for investment is the state’s duty, but companies must also act decisively and avoid launching projects without economic justification,” he said.
He concluded that Iran’s petrochemical sector needs to shift away from standalone plants toward integrated value chains. “Only with a clear roadmap, capable managers and proper execution can petrochemicals truly drive the economy,” he said.