Ghodratollah Nasiri, director of research, technology, and local production
at NPC, said over 700 domestic companies participated in this year’s event,
underscoring Iran’s industrial capacity. “If support and special facilities for
smaller firms are increased, the number of active players could multiply within
three to four years,” he told NIPNA.
Nasiri highlighted that many small and university-led startups
struggle to secure raw materials and compete in commodity exchanges. “Providing
limited allocations to help them grow to a commercial ceiling can quickly
transform them into major industry players,” he said, stressing that such
support should be phased out once companies are self-sustaining.
The NPC has developed a roadmap to operationalize the development of
downstream industries, aligned with Iran’s Seventh Development Plan. Nasiri
emphasized the importance of fostering local technology and innovation to boost
domestic growth, expand regional market presence, and generate employment.
He said IranPlast demonstrated the potential of small, creative firms
to introduce new ideas, which, if properly supported, can be converted into
commercially viable products. “IranPlast is not just an exhibition; it is a
platform for launching innovative companies into domestic and international
markets,” Nasiri said, adding that smart support of startups and strengthening
the domestic value chain is key to securing a bright future for Iran’s
petrochemical sector.