Mohammad Motaghi, NPC’s Director of Downstream Industries Development,
told NIPNA that his office serves as a link between the Petroleum Ministry,
NPC, the Ministry of Industry, Mine and Trade, the Iran Mercantile Exchange,
and various industrial associations — and that regular expert meetings among
these bodies can help address key challenges facing the sector.
Motaghi described the downstream development pathway as “complex and
multi-dimensional,” noting that while upstream operations rely on feedstock,
financing, technology, and market access, downstream progress depends more on
the availability of raw materials, energy infrastructure, regulatory stability,
and skilled labor.
“Development must be aligned with each region’s advantages and
limitations to prevent unbalanced concentration,” he said. “Some provinces face
water scarcity, others lack adequate market access or infrastructure. Directing
investment based on local strengths ensures more efficient and sustainable
growth.”
Missed Opportunities in Chemical Value Chains
Motaghi criticized the country’s heavy focus on polymer production,
saying Iran has lagged behind in developing higher-value chemical segments.
“Globally, the greatest value addition in chemical parks comes from the
chemical sector, but in Iran, this part has been largely neglected,” he said.
He emphasized the downstream sector’s untapped potential for job
creation, particularly for semi-skilled and technical workers. Plans are
underway, he added, to introduce targeted vocational training programs tailored
to industry needs.
Structural Gaps and Data Deficiency
Motaghi also cited the absence of an integrated information system for
investors as a major obstacle. “Investors need a single window to access data
on land, energy, infrastructure, and markets. The Ministry of Industry should
host such a platform through the industrial townships,” he said.
Although the NPC has published project and study data to improve
transparency, Motaghi said a unified national database is essential to end
confusion and duplication among investors.
Public–Private Partnership and Modern Technologies
Motaghi called for a revision of the government–private sector
partnership model, noting that global chemical parks are successful examples of
such collaboration. He pointed to Mahshahr’s second development phase, where
large areas have been designated for downstream projects to create a complete
value chain.
He also urged greater investment in modern technologies such as
biopolymers, green petrochemicals, and chemical recycling. “The world is moving
rapidly toward sustainable and circular chemistry, but Iran remains dependent
on outdated technologies,” he warned.
Need for Binding Industrial Policy
Motaghi concluded that Iran’s main challenge is not the absence of
development plans, but the lack of a binding and enforceable industrial policy.
“If a mandatory national industrial roadmap is implemented and followed,
temporary decisions or price fluctuations in feedstock and energy will no
longer derail progress,” he said. “True development happens only when all key
actors in the industry move in a coordinated and evidence-based direction.”