Speaking at a pre-session of the “International Investment and
Financing in Oil, Gas, and Petrochemical Industries” conference at Allameh
Tabataba’i University, Hamidreza Ajami emphasized that petrochemicals remain
one of the pillars of Iran’s economy. “Today, the petrochemical industry acts
as a growth engine and a sustainable source of foreign currency,” he said,
noting that over 25% of Iran’s non-oil exports come from this sector.
Ajami highlighted the industry’s resilience despite years of
sanctions. Iran currently operates 76 active petrochemical complexes with a
total annual production capacity of 36.9 million tons, including 20 complexes
in the Mahshahr Special Economic Zone, 25 in Asalouyeh, and 28 in other
regions. Three auxiliary service complexes—Fajr, Mobin, and Damavand—supply
utilities for production facilities.
The NPC has focused on three pillars in investment development:
licensing, partnership creation, and financing. Ajami said all licensing is now
handled via a national electronic system, removing direct individual influence
and eliminating “golden signature” practices.
Citing successful joint ventures, Ajami mentioned domestic
collaborations such as Polymer Arya Sasol and Petrochemical Mehr with NPC, and
international cooperation with Thailand’s PTT and the Alliance Holding in the
Philippines.
The director stressed the need for substantial financing, noting that
145 licensed petrochemical projects are at various stages of progress. Projects
with less than 20% completion require $63 billion, those between 20–70% need
$21 billion, and 22 projects with over 70% completion require $12.2 billion to
reach operational status.
Ajami also outlined financing strategies, including leveraging
National Development Fund resources, gold and foreign exchange centers, central
and commercial banks, leasing bonds, and specialized deposits. Foreign credit
lines are being used for eight priority projects with a combined capacity of 11
million tons and an estimated $7.5 billion investment, selected based on export
market reliability, shareholder financial capacity, and international economic
feasibility.
On operational challenges, Ajami said a dedicated NPC task force has
held 24 sessions with Iran’s National Oil and Gas Companies to ensure a stable
feedstock supply for ongoing production. “While supply is relatively secure,
the industry must continuously monitor and plan for potential challenges to
sustain growth,” he added.