Petrochemicals can play a growing role in Iran’s economy, particularly
under sanctions, while expansion across both upstream and downstream segments
could generate additional employment, Bahrami said in an interview with NIPNA.
The lawmaker stressed the need to move away from exports of raw
materials and increase production of finished and higher-value products.
Achieving that goal requires closer coordination among government agencies and
greater support for industries contributing to what Iran calls a “resistance
economy,” he said.
Economic growth and household livelihoods should remain central to
policymaking, Bahrami said, adding that lawmakers are prepared to support
measures aimed at further developing the petrochemical sector.
Despite the challenges posed by sanctions, Iran’s petrochemical
industry has maintained its operations and continued expanding in line with
development plans, Bahrami said.
The comments underscore the government’s efforts to use petrochemicals
as a vehicle for industrial diversification, greater value creation from
domestic resources and employment growth, particularly through expansion of
downstream production.