Hassan Abbaszadeh, the CEO of National Petrochemical Co.
(NPC), said: “There were those who proposed even the exhibition to be put off
or cancelled, but we were determined to go ahead with this key event”. Based on
such vision, “Iran Plast” hosted petrochemical actors, presenting a strategic
opportunity for interaction between domestic and foreign companies, exchange of
technical savvy and attracting investment in the polymer and plastic sector.
Among the officials present in the inauguration were
deputy ministers, MPs, Iran’s ambassador to Russia, public and private sector
managers, and foreign businesspersons among others.
In this edition, the exhibition hosted more than 700
domestic companies and 67 foreign companies, as well as 200 individuals in the
form of business delegations from 18 countries: Russia, China, Turkey, Republic
of Azerbaijan, Libya, South Africa, Iraq, Afghanistan, Qatar, the United Arab
Emirates, Georgia, Armenia, Pakistan, Ghana, Oman, Tunisia, and Tajikistan.
Polymer Output to Hit 16mt
Abbaszadeh said “Iran Plast” was a key event in the
polymer market, showing the growth and capacity of the petrochemical industry,
as well as introducing its achievements in terms of modern technology and
market development. Referring to the important status of polymers, he said: “In
the current calendar year, 1 mt would be added to the 9 mt capacity of polymer
output. By the end of the 7th Five-Year Economic Development Plan, the
production capacity of polymers would reach 16 mt /y.”
Abbaszadeh said the chemicals’ average price stands at
$300-600 per tonne in Iran’s petrochemical mix. Polymers are valuated at more
than $1,000 per tonne. Maintaining the chain of polymers would generate high
value for the country.
He also announced that new investment packages would be
presented, adding: “Currently, we are importing about $2 billion worth of
petrochemicals which we can produce in the country. They have been defined in
the from of 21 investment packages so that after launching new projects, we
would no longer be hooked on imports and our value-added would be preserved.”
Abbaszadeh also said petrochemical products worth IRR
3200 trillion were offered on the stock market, reiterating the necessity of
focusing on engineering products and expanding recycling infrastructure.
Opportunity for SMEs
More than 20 years ago, NPC initiated “Iran Plast” with a
view to bolstering the domestic plastics industry market, supporting and
facilitating global marketing efforts, and facilitating entry into
international markets. The first four editions of the exhibition were organized
with the participation of experienced and skilled exhibition consultants.
However, following certain structural changes, the organization of this
globally recognized exhibition was handed over to the Public Relations
Department of NPC, which has since been responsible for managing the event.
“Iran Plast” was
first held in December 2002 when the exhibition hosted 71 foreign companies
from 18 countries and 223 domestic companies. Today; however, “Iran Plast” is
being held with the participation of more than 700 domestic companies and 67
foreign companies, of which 49 are directly from China and India, and 18 are
representatives of companies from China, India, South Korea, Taiwan, Germany,
Austria, Italy, and Turkey.
Addressing the inauguration, Mohammad Moqareh, director
of “Iran Plast”, said: “This year, the actual area of the indoor halls was
34,000 square meters, and the outdoor area was about 3,000 square meters,
accommodating more than 700 Iranian companies in total. In the international
section, about 1,250 square meters was allocated to foreign companies, with
Chinese companies still holding the largest portion among foreign
participants.”
He said that a significant portion of the exhibitors at
this event were small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), and the exhibition
provided an excellent opportunity for them to enter international markets. Most
of the buyers of Iranian products also came from neighboring
countries—especially Iraq, Afghanistan, and Turkmenistan—which had a strong
presence in this edition.
Iran-Russia Strategic Ties
Other keynote speakers at the inauguration ceremony were
Iran’s Ambassador to Russia Kazem Jalali, the CEO of Persian Gulf Petrochemical
Industries Co. (PGPIC) Mohammad Shariatmadari, and Ahmad Mahdavi Abhari, the secretary
general of the Association of Petrochemical Industry Employers.
Jalali said exhibitions provide nations with a good chance
to explore their capacities reciprocally, particularly between Iran and Russia,
adding: “The relations between the two nations are strategic and aim to broaden
cooperation based on strategic pacts signed between them.”
Another opportunity lying ahead, he said, is the Free
Trade Agreement signed with the Eurasian Economic Union (EEU).
“Currently, the volume of trade between Iran and Russia
does not match the capacities of the two countries. The public sector is
responsible for policymaking, but it is the private sector that must actively
step in. Domestic barriers must also be removed with strong determination,” he
said.
Mirroring Achievements
Shariatmadari said “Iran Plast” represented an
opportunity for exchange of experience and presentation of innovative
capacities, adding: “This event reflects achievements and aspirations of the
plastics industry and provides an opportunity to take a more comprehensive look
at the future of this vital industry. Scientific research and foresight are
essential for the petrochemical industry.”
At each hall, the exhibitors showcased their equipment,
technologies, and products. Some were engaged in negotiations with visitors
from domestic and foreign companies, while others were photographing the
displayed items — ranging from heavy machinery and prefabricated products to
masterbatch packages, granules, and polymer compounds. Some companies also
unveiled their latest scientific, research, and experimental achievements on
large screens. Everything on display reflected the full scope of their
scientific capabilities and technical expertise.
Iran-Africa Cooperation
On the sidelines of the event, meetings were held between
Iranian and foreign officials and businesspersons. Abbaszadeh and Ivorian
Ambassador to Tehran Ouattara Tamakolo explored cooperation between Iran and
Ivory Coast in the oil and petrochemical sectors. The Ivorian diplomat said his
country was firmly willing to benefit from Iran’s oil and petrochemical
expertise.
International Links
In every corner of the exhibition, groups of foreign
guests could be seen negotiating with others through interpreters. This
interaction was also clearly visible inside the halls; above each booth, there
were signs indicating various foreign countries whose companies had brought
their products to present to the Iranian market, or were engaged in discussions
and negotiations alongside Iranian professionals from the plastics and polymer
industry.
Majid Boujarzade, director of public relations of
Ministry of Petroleum, said: “This year, despite the political and economic
conditions resulting from the 12-Day War, the exhibition has been held in a
dynamic atmosphere with activity in full swing and with remarkable enthusiasm
from industry participants.”
“The strong presence of the community involved in the
petrochemical and polymer industries shows that “Iran Plast” holds an important
position in showcasing domestic capabilities and strengthening this industry’s
connections with both domestic and international markets. By presenting local
strengths alongside the participation of foreign companies, this event
demonstrated that exhibitions can serve as driving forces to boost production
and expand export markets,” he added.
Boujarzadeh said a key point distinguishing “Iran Plast”
from similar events pertained to its diversity and extent of audiences.
“Moreover, the presence of around 300 foreign groups from
various countries, especially Iran’s neighbors and trade partners, reflects
successful planning in the international sector and paves the way for signing
new memorandums of understanding and contracts. Local companies, through their
perseverance and efforts in production and export, have shown that they are
capable of maintaining their position even under difficult circumstances,” he said.
Local Firms
Boujarzadeh said domestic equipment manufacturers displayed
remarkable capabilities at the exhibition, equipment that not only rivals
foreign counterparts in quality, but is also offered at prices that are more
competitive. He stated that it is a matter of pride to witness the significant
advancement of Iranian companies in producing equipment needed for the
petrochemical industry. Furthermore, the strong presence of downstream
companies and participants from the entire polymer industry chain demonstrated
that this exhibition is specifically interesting to professionals across all
segments of the sector.
In endorsement of Boujarzadeh’s remarks regarding
domestic capabilities, the unveiling of the Petrochemical Products Technical
Features System on the third day of the event is a case in point.
Tough Economic Conditions
“Iran Plast” was held not long after the recent 12-Day
War. MP Morteza Mahmoudi, who is also a member of Production Support Ad Hoc
Committee, said manufacturers are in attendance even under toughest economic
conditions.
On the sidelines of the event, he said: “This exhibition is
being so dynamically while many imagined it would not be held.”
Ali Rabbani, director of energy efficiency at NPC, described
“Iran Plast” as a platform that enables Iranian traders and manufacturers to
establish closer connections with upstream raw material suppliers. He added
that “Iran Plast” was the link connecting petrochemical companies with
downstream industries.
Exports to Eurasia Up 3.5%
On the second day of the exhibition, the Association of
Masterbatch and Polymeric Compounds Producers hosted another specialized panel entitled
“Examining the Impact of the Iran-EAEU Free Trade Agreement on the Plastics
Industry.” In this session, Mir-Hadi Seidi, advisor to the director of Iran’s Trade
Promotion Organization (TPO), said that Iran’s exports to the Eurasian region
had grown 3.5%.
Iran, Turkey Eye $30bn Trade
In another session on the second day of “Iran Plast”, the
topic of “Exploring Barriers to Exporting Compound and Masterbatch Products to
Turkey” was discussed. In this session, Abdol Amir Rabi-Havi, director general
of the West Asia Office at TPO, announced that consultations and planning are
underway to achieve a targeted $30 billion trade cooperation between Iran and
Turkey over the next five years.
Among the other
panels held on the sidelines of the 19th “Iran Plast” were some specialized
sessions such as “Completing the Value Chain through the Development of BOPP
Polyethylene Film Additives”, “Quality Validation Guidelines for Export
Products: An Optimal Approach to International Markets”, “Validating Investment
Opportunities Using the New FEL Tool”, “The Role of Packaging in Exporting
Petrochemical End Products”, “The Future of Molding: New Processes and Emerging
Trends” and “The Critical Role of Plastic Films in the Additives Process from
Polyethylene.
In addition, during the four days of the exhibition,
several training courses were also held, including on “Challenges and Advantages
of Polymer Exports: From Production to Delivery”, “Challenges and Opportunities
of Tax Credit with the Development of Innovative Polymers” and “Examining
Polymer Microstructure Through to Final Production.”
B2B Meetings
Alongside these specialized panels and training courses,
B2B meetings were also held simultaneously in other halls. In fact, the
targeted participation of foreign traders, addressing downstream challenges,
and showcasing innovative products from science-based companies were among the
most significant achievements of this edition of the exhibition.
This was also highlighted by Ebrahim Sheikh, a Deputy
Minister of Industry, Mine, and Trade. He said: “The enthusiastic participation
of specialists, engineers, and visitors showed that this exhibition remains one
of the most important events for showcasing the domestic capabilities and
potential of the petrochemical industry.”
On the second day of “Iran Plast”, two B2B meetings were
held between petrochemical industry producers and foreign trade delegations.
Iraq, KRG Delegates
In the first B2B meeting, a 34-member delegation of
exporters, importers, traders, and investors from the Kurdistan Regional
Government (KRG) Iraq were present. The KRG has always considered itself a
friend and partner of Iran, and throughout the sanctions period, trade
cooperation between this region and Iran has never stopped. The export/import
delegation, as well as traders and businessmen from the KRG, are striving to
continue and expand this cooperation.
The second B2B meeting was with a trade delegation from
Iraq, composed of the president and members of the Chamber of Commerce, as well
as Iraqi traders, merchants, and business owners, which took place on September
9, the second day of “Iran Plast”.
Ali Alazzam-Hosseini, Chairperson of the Iraqi Chamber of
Commerce, said: “This year marked the ninth year in a row that our delegation
is attending “Iran Plast”. What stood out to them was the strong and extensive
presence of Iranian companies, the booth arrangements, the specialized
categorization of producers, the presentation of innovative products and
technologies, and the offering of new, diverse equipment and tools, as well as
heavy and important machinery.”
Challenges Overcome
On the third day of the exhibition, four B2B meetings
were held between Iranian manufacturers and business delegates from
Afghanistan, Azerbaijan, Tajikistan, and Pakistan.
A group of Afghan traders, business owners, and
manufacturers had come to learn about the latest Iranian technical achievements
and equipment during their visit to “Iran Plast” and to sign contracts for
purchasing their desired products. The Afghan delegation highlighted the
variety of products on display, which allowed them to select their desired
items in more detail. One Afghan trader stated: “Machinery and equipment,
various types of plastics, polymer compounds, and granules are among the most
important raw materials needed in Afghanistan. For this reason, we usually
attend exhibitions related to the petrochemical industry to get familiar with
the range and quality of products, and then place our purchase orders.”
The Pakistani trade delegation also emphasized the need
to find solutions for removing obstacles to trade between Iran and Pakistan.
They believe that the sanctions imposed on Iran have had little impact on the
trade relations between the two countries. One Pakistani trader attending the
meeting said: “I can even say that our country is very eager to trade with
Iran. Although today the conditions for this economic and trade cooperation
have become more difficult, we can find solutions and ways to make it work.”
Tajiks Interested in Iran Petchem
The meeting between the Tajik trade delegation and
Iranian manufacturers was held with the aim of gaining a better understanding
of cooperation methods and the export of Iranian products.
What particularly caught the attention of the Tajik trade
delegation at the exhibition was Iran’s capabilities and the quality of its
products and raw materials. A member of this delegation described Iran’s
petrochemical industry as highly capable and up-to-date, noting that it has
been very successful on a global level.
Referring to the wide spectrum of Iranian products in
this industry, he said: “Overall, the diversity and quality of Iranian export
goods to Tajikistan reflect the high commercial and economic potential of both
countries, which can contribute to further developing trade and economic
relations between Iran and Tajikistan.”
Iran-Azerbaijan Ties
An Azeri trade delegation was also among the participants
in the B2B meetings held on the sidelines of “Iran Plast”.
In the meeting, given the importance and extent of the
shared borders between Iran and the Republic of Azerbaijan within the
North-South Corridor and its significance for regional trade expansion, it was
emphasized that any potential obstacles to cooperation between the two
countries must be resolved while necessary measures should be taken to develop
transportation relations between them.
An Azeri delegate said: “Since the early years of
Azerbaijan’s independence, economic and trade relations between the two
countries have been established, and Iran has been one of Azerbaijan’s most
important trade partners. Although the relationship has at times weakened over
the years, we cannot ignore its importance and necessity. Therefore, we must
make every effort to expand the economic, trade, and cultural relations between
our two countries day by day.”
These meetings were held with the goal of enhancing
economic interactions and developing trade relations between companies involved
in plastics, raw materials, and machinery in Iran and other countries.
Willingness for Broader Cooperation
In addition to B2B meetings, negotiations were held
between Iranian managers and manufacturers and foreign exhibitors from
Azerbaijan, Georgia, Turkey, Afghanistan, Pakistan, Tajikistan, the Kurdistan
Region of Iraq, Iraq, Russia, South Africa, Lebanon, Ivory Coast, Oman,
Armenia, and Tunisia.
What was mainly heard in the remarks of all the foreign
participants was their satisfaction with the capabilities and diversity of
Iran’s petrochemical products, as well as their willingness to expand economic
and trade cooperation.
Iran Plast, Petchem Driver
In every booth and hall, visitors were engaged in
negotiations and tours. Domestic equipment manufacturers also showcased
remarkable capabilities that not only rival foreign products but, due to their
competitive pricing, are attracting many users toward Iranian goods. This was
clearly reflected in the satisfaction expressed by participants and foreign
trade delegations.
This point was also echoed in Abbaszadeh’s remarks on the
final day of the exhibition. Describing “Iran Plast” as a turning point for
expanding trade cooperation with neighboring countries, he stated “The
purposeful presence of foreign traders, addressing downstream challenges, and
offering innovative products by knowledge-based companies are among the most
significant achievements of this exhibition. One of the defining features of
the 19th “Iran Plast” Exhibition has been the purposeful participation of
experts and professionals from related fields, which has laid the groundwork
for effective commercial relations in the petrochemical industry. This reflects
the importance and standing of this event for industry actors.”
Giving an account of his own visit to the event, he said:
“At the science-based company booths, a wide range of innovative products was
showcased, many of which had been produced for the first time. Compared to
previous rounds, the quality of downstream industry products has improved, and
many of these companies have succeeded in meeting export standards.
Conversations with most booth representatives revealed that a significant
portion of their products is exported to foreign markets — a clear indicator of
progress and the enhancement of industry standards.”
Although the structure and organization of this
exhibition followed the format of previous years, the edition stood out with a
significant distinguishing feature — the very decision to hold it despite the
unpredictable circumstances that emerged for Iran after the Zionist Regime
attack.
At the time when planning for the exhibition was supposed
to begin, in the tense days following the conflict, many believed it was impossible
to organize such an event, considering the situation unsuitable and even
calling for its cancellation. However, the officials of the petrochemical
industry, along with its stakeholders and participants, decided not to back
down despite all the difficulties and to move forward with holding the 19th
“Iran Plast”.
The reputation and vast market of Iran’s petrochemical
industry were strong enough that foreign participants were neither deterred by
sanctions nor by the threat of conflict, and they visited Iran with the same
determination as before. The strong presence of domestic manufacturers and the
strong willingness on the part of foreign participants and trade delegations
indicated that Iran’s petrochemical industry may serve as a beacon of growth
and development, even under the most challenging circumstances.
Courtesy of Iran Petroleum