The Third Pre-Conference Session of the International Conference on Investment and Financing in the Oil, Gas, and Petrochemical Industry

The third pre-conference session of the International Conference on Investment and Financing in the Oil, Gas, and Petrochemical Industry, titled “Investment and Financing Opportunities in the Petrochemical Sector”, was organized by the Faculty of Law and Political Science at Allameh Tabataba’i University.

Petrochemical industry performance goes beyond standards and expectations

At the beginning of the session, Dr. Mohammad Mehdi Hajian, faculty member at Allameh Tabataba’i University and the scientific and executive secretary of the conference, referred to the two previous sessions and noted: “So far, two pre-conference sessions have been held focusing on the National Iranian Oil Company and the National Iranian Gas Company. In this third session, the focus is on the National Petrochemical Company.”

He emphasized that the purpose of holding such sessions is to create synergy and foster effective cooperation, thereby providing opportunities to address the country’s challenges in financing and investment within these industries.

Dr. Hajian described the National Petrochemical Company as the leading and guiding institution in this sector and added, “In the current critical situation, the petrochemical industry plays a vital role in addressing the country’s challenges. Its performance has gone beyond standards and expectations to compensate for shortcomings in various fields.”

Strengthening university–industry relations is the main goal of the conference

Dr. Habibollah Rahimi, Dean of the Faculty of Law and Political Science at Allameh Tabataba’i University, also emphasized the value of the ideas presented during the conference and highlighted the importance of the pre-conference sessions. He stated that these preliminary sessions play a key role in the success of the main conference and can serve as a starting point for future executive and operational initiatives.

He further explained: “The primary aim of this conference is to strengthen the connection between academia and industry—particularly in the oil, gas, and petrochemical sectors—so that academic discussions can contribute to solving societal problems and overcome the longstanding criticism of weak university–society engagement.”

Dr. Rahimi noted that all preparatory and organizational measures taken so far promise the successful organization of the main event. He added that the expectation is for the industry’s problems—especially in investment and financing in the oil, gas, and petrochemical sectors—to be addressed more effectively.

He also stressed the importance of synergy and collective thinking in this field, saying: “I believe that even if only part of the problems are solved each year, it will increase hope for improving the country’s overall situation.”

The Dean of the Faculty of Law and Political Science at Allameh Tabataba’i University highlighted the faculty’s efforts to expand its ties with industry, stressing that the faculty seeks to move beyond theory and engage in applied research aimed at addressing societal challenges. He noted that disciplines such as oil and gas law, intellectual property rights, and international trade are examples of this practical approach, designed to generate tangible benefits for society.

Expressing gratitude to the scientific and executive teams of the conference, he expressed hope that the outcomes of the speeches and papers presented would provide solutions to financial and investment challenges in the oil and gas sector—particularly under the constraints of sanctions—leading to improvements in the country’s situation and addressing some of society’s pressing issues.

Stronger presence in regional markets is essential

Dr. Hamidreza Ajami, Director General of Investment at the National Petrochemical Company of Iran, also emphasized the strategic role of the petrochemical industry in the national economy. He pointed out that nearly half of the country’s foreign currency needs are met through non-oil petrochemical exports, while the sector accounts for more than 19 percent of the value added in the industrial sector.

He further noted that despite sanctions, Iran’s petrochemical industry has remained competitive, with 76 production complexes currently active nationwide, operating at a combined capacity of around 96 million tons.

Detailing the investment activities in the sector, Dr. Ajami explained that the three main areas of focus include licensing and license renewal, developing partnerships, and securing financing. He added that the entire licensing process is carried out through the National Licensing Platform in a fully digital and automated manner, with no individual interference involved.

He went on to explain that in the area of financing, a variety of activities are being pursued, including domestic and foreign partnerships, joint investments, and the use of both internal and external resources such as the National Development Fund and banks. At present, 145 petrochemical projects are at different stages of implementation and progress.

The Director General of Investment at the National Petrochemical Company also stressed the importance of financing through diverse instruments such as lease bonds, credit lines, and deposit certificates. He noted that project evaluation criteria include the creditworthiness of shareholders and export market potential. He added that, under the Seventh Development Plan and legal reforms, initiatives are being advanced to improve product quality and resolve pending projects.

Emphasizing the need to expand both technology and markets domestically and internationally in the face of sanctions, he stated: “Given technological constraints, we must ensure a stronger presence in regional markets.”

The vital role of universities and experts in the development of the oil, gas, and petrochemical sector

Dr. Farshid Ahmadi, Director of Investment and Financing at the National Development Fund of Iran, also underlined the significance of the petrochemical industry in generating foreign exchange and added value for the country. He pointed out that this sector has played a crucial role in supporting the national economy under sanctions, contributing nearly one-third of Iran’s oil-related exports through petrochemical products.

Highlighting the country’s vast untapped potential in the oil and gas sector, Dr. Ahmadi noted that these resources have yet to be fully utilized.

Reviewing the role of the National Development Fund in financing projects, particularly in petrochemicals, he said: “Since its establishment in 2011, the Fund has invested about 25 billion dollars across various sectors, including petrochemicals, steel, power plants, transportation, and water desalination. With newly granted permissions, the Fund can now expand into the oil and gas sector, channeling its resources into strategic investments.”

Referring to a set of financial and developmental initiatives in the oil, gas, and petrochemical industries, he announced the implementation of the “Buyer’s Credit” scheme, explaining: “This instrument, developed in cooperation with the banking system, facilitates credit-based sales of petrochemical and other industrial products. For instance, if a six-month or one-year credit sales contract is signed with a foreign buyer, the producer can immediately receive the payment in cash from the bank, thereby securing the project’s working capital.”

In conclusion, Dr. Ahmadi emphasized the important role of universities and experts in addressing the challenges of the petrochemical industry. He expressed appreciation for the opportunities created by the conference and underlined the contribution of academic institutions and intellectuals to the development of the oil, gas, and petrochemical sectors.

The effective role of academia in refining and harmonizing investment regulations

Dr. Morteza Bahrami, Deputy Director of the Investment Office at the Organization for Investment, Economic, and Technical Assistance of Iran, also discussed the status and opportunities of foreign investment in the country, stressing the vital role of universities and academic institutions in this field.

He pointed to the 70-year history of the Foreign Investment Promotion and Protection Act (FIPPA), describing the existing capacities as considerable, and noted: “With cooperation involving more than 3,000 investment companies and foreign partners, this organization serves as one of the key institutions in this area.”

Dr. Bahrami also referred to the impact of sanctions and the challenges they pose, underscoring the need to prioritize information-sharing, marketing, and attracting foreign investors.

He emphasized the importance of swift, intelligent, and efficient administrative governance in investment processes to enhance both productivity and the attractiveness of domestic and foreign investments.

The Deputy Director of the Investment Office at the Organization for Investment, Economic, and Technical Assistance of Iran further stated: “I believe the role of universities—particularly the Faculty of Law and Political Science at Allameh Tabataba’i University—in refining and harmonizing investment laws and regulations is highly significant. They can play a crucial role in legal processes and the drafting of memoranda of understanding.”

He also stressed the necessity of cooperation and agreements between academic and executive institutions in order to better capitalize on investment opportunities, highlighting the role of technology and scientific innovation in advancing this field.

It is worth noting that the International Conference on Investment and Financing in the Oil, Gas, and Petrochemical Industry will be held on October 27–28, 2025, at the Faculty of Law and Political Science of Allameh Tabataba’i University.