Hassan Abbaszadeh, speaking at the opening of the 9th Asaluyeh Local
Manufacturing Exhibition, said Iran’s petrochemical sector purchases roughly $2
billion worth of foreign-dependent equipment annually, representing a “large,
strategic” market that could be captured by local firms if supported
consistently by mid-level managers.
He said nearly 95% of fixed equipment used in petrochemical plants is
already supplied domestically, with only around 5% still imported due to
foreign licensors’ restrictions and proprietary know-how. By contrast, rotating
equipment such as compressors and process pumps has seen “significant
progress,” with most pumps now produced inside the country.
Abbaszadeh highlighted recent milestones including the domestic
production of reactor internals in Apadana, full localization of a synthesis
reactor in Dena (Sabalan-2), and construction of major fixed equipment for a
methanol-to-propylene and polypropylene chain where Iran owns full process
technology. The project has targeted an 85% local-content level, well above the
industry norm of 70–75%.
He said some high-tech areas still require focused development,
including advanced control systems, precision instrumentation, and high-power
electromechanical motors. Certain specialty chemicals and catalysts also remain
dependent on imports despite substantial recent progress.
Abbaszadeh warned that local suppliers must maintain consistent
quality and on-time delivery to gain lasting industry trust. Even minor delays,
he said, can impose heavy costs on petrochemical construction projects. He
added that some domestic firms deliver a high-quality item once but fail to
sustain standards or stable market presence, whereas foreign competitors
improve products continuously and offer long-term support.
He said stronger commitment among senior and mid-level managers to
prioritize Iranian equipment could turn the country into “a vast industrial
fabrication hub” for the oil, gas and petrochemical sectors.
The exhibition, held at the Pars International Fairgrounds in
Asaluyeh, features 150 domestic companies, regional petrochemical producers and
over 100 knowledge-based firms showcasing equipment and technologies through
December 9.