Speaking at the 6th edition of the China
International Import Expo (CIIE), Morteza Shahmirzai highlighted the importance
of cohesion and collaboration among petrochemical exporters to enhance Iran's
successful and stable presence in international markets.
Shahmirzai, attending the CIIE exhibition in Shanghai,
stated that the various high-quality petrochemical products produced in Iranian
complexes are supplied to different countries worldwide.
He emphasized the necessity of convergence among exporters,
emphasizing that avoiding negative competition is crucial for effective
participation in international markets.
"We need to identify target markets wisely and ensure
that the country's interests are prioritized in supply and sales,"
Shahmirzai said, underlining the importance of strategic planning for unity and
interaction among exporters, a plan already implemented by the National
Petrochemical Company.
Addressing the issue of negative competition among
petrochemical industry exporters, Shahmirzai stressed the need for activities
in line with the Islamic Republic's principles, and he praised the National
Petrochemical Company's efforts in planning for unity and collaboration among
exporters.
"We must prevent negative competition among
petrochemical industry exporters, and the National Petrochemical Company has
devised desirable plans for unity and interaction among exporters,"
Shahmirzai stated.
Regarding the targeted markets, Shahmirzai highlighted
China's significance as one of the world's largest producers of methanol and a
major importer of petrochemical products. Considering Iran's capacity for
methanol production, it becomes a key market for Iranian producers.
Investment in New Petrochemical Hubs
Shahmirzai discussed the ongoing development of Iran's
petrochemical industry in the seventh and eighth development plans, expressing
complete support for foreign investments in new petrochemical projects. He
mentioned the new petrochemical development hubs in regions like Makran,
Parsian Energy, the second phase of the Petrochemical Special Economic Zone
(Mahshahr), Dayyer, Kangan, and new hubs in Lamerd, all possessing high
production capacities for various petrochemical products.
"With the development programs ahead, the Jask region
will be transformed into the hub of the country's petro-refineries, and by
attracting new investments, it will significantly boost downstream industries
in the region through the implementation of value chain completion policies and
the establishment of industrial and petrochemical towns," Shahmirzai
added.
He also stated that currently, 110 development projects in
the petrochemical industry are being implemented, which will lead to a more
diverse mix of Iranian petrochemical products with new investments.
Strategic Plan for Petrochemical Self-Sufficiency
Shahmirzai emphasized that the strategic plan for Iran's
petrochemical industry is turning threats into potential opportunities.
He highlighted the importance of self-sufficiency in meeting
industrial needs and the localization of products and equipment as a key
strategy for the National Petrochemical Company.
"Self-sufficiency in meeting industrial needs through
domestic production and the localization of products and equipment is a key
strategy for the National Petrochemical Company, and with the collaboration and
efforts of all industry stakeholders, we aim to achieve this goal in the next
six years," Shahmirzai stated.
The Deputy Minister of Oil clarified that all catalysts used
until the end of the thirteenth government term would be localized, thanks to
the focus on domestic production by the Petrochemical Research and Technology
Company, research centers, and knowledge-based companies, marking significant
achievements.
"With the implemented plans, all catalysts, absorbents,
and initiators in the petrochemical industry will be localized,"
Shahmirzai concluded.
The sixth edition of the China International Import Expo
(CIIE 2023) took place from November 5 to November 10, 2023, in Shanghai, with
over 50 Iranian companies and 250 traders participating, especially from the
petrochemical industry, showcasing their products in pavilions at the
exhibition.