Ahmad Mahdavi told the opening ceremony that the
event was a valuable opportunity to showcase capabilities and strengthen the
national economy. He said a recently concluded upstream gas agreement would
help secure long-term feedstock for petrochemical plants, easing seasonal
shortages.
“The deal, which comes after several years of
delay, is expected to play a key role in ensuring feedstock stability and
balanced growth in the industry,” Mahdavi said.
He described IranPlast as a major economic event
drawing hundreds of domestic and foreign firms, and noted stronger alignment
between state-owned and private players in the sector. “This unity promises a
brighter future for Iran’s petrochemical industry,” he said.
Mahdavi added that the industry supplies $7-8
billion of feedstock and raw materials annually to downstream and complementary
industries, from agriculture to manufacturing, underscoring its strategic role.
He welcomed parliamentary support but warned that internal bottlenecks – not
sanctions – remained the biggest challenge.
“Our priority is to supply domestic demand, but
the country also needs foreign currency. Exports must continue, and controls
are necessary to prevent rent-seeking and smuggling,” he said, adding that
exchange rate disparities created incentives for middlemen and risked damaging
regional markets.
Mahdavi stressed the need to develop the
petrochemical value chain by boosting downstream industries through private
investment and local technology. He also highlighted the importance of unity
across government, parliament and industry leaders, saying greater coordination
could strengthen Iran’s economy and its international position.