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

According to the Public Relations Office, the fourth pre-conference session of the International Conference on Investment and Financing in the Oil, Gas, and Petrochemical Industry, titled "The Role of the Banking System and Financial Institutions in Financing and Investment in the Oil, Gas, and Petrochemical Industry," was held by the Faculty of Law and Political Science at Allameh Tabataba’i University.

Dr. Mohammad Mahdi Hajian, faculty member at Allameh Tabataba’i University and the scientific and executive secretary of the conference, emphasized the importance of the event. He stated that the fourth pre-conference session aims to present new approaches and proposals in legal, economic, and managerial fields to create a better environment for investment and financing in the country’s oil and petrochemical industries.

He further noted that the International Conference on Investment and Financing in the Oil, Gas, and Petrochemical Industry is designed to provide innovative solutions and strategies to improve investment and financing in these vital sectors, and it is hoped that the pre-conference sessions will open new developmental pathways for the industry.

Dr. Habibollah Rahimi, Dean of the Faculty of Law and Political Science, highlighted the necessity and significance of the conference, stating that its main goal is to bridge academia and scientific discussions with practical solutions to national challenges. He emphasized that Allameh Tabataba’i University aims to play an influential role in addressing these issues.

Dr. Hamidreza Oloumi Yazdi, faculty member at Allameh Tabataba’i University and conference chair, expressed his gratitude to the distinguished professors and officials from the oil, gas, petrochemical, and banking sectors. He noted that, despite current uncertainties and challenges in the country, the presence of these experts can serve as a guiding light, helping to illuminate the path forward and facilitate development in these key industries.

Dr. Gholam Nabi Feyzi Chakab Highlights the Importance of Removing Legal and Political Barriers to Foreign Investment

Dr. Gholam Nabi Feyzi Chakab, Secretary of the Committee on International Trade, Oil and Gas Law and a faculty member at Allameh Tabataba’i University, emphasized the need to address legal and political obstacles to foreign investment and prevent capital flight. He stated that removing these barriers is crucial for enabling major and strategic investments in the country.

He also highlighted the impact of sanctions on Iran’s business environment, noting that while the JCPOA resolved many issues temporarily, the reimposition of sanctions has limited investment opportunities. In this context, domestic banks and financial institutions play a key role in managing financial pressures and supporting long-term investments in the oil and gas sector.

Dr. Feyzi Chakab further discussed the impact of Iran’s inclusion on the FATF blacklist, which increases investment risks. He praised recent efforts, including those by the Expediency Discernment Council, aimed at improving the country’s financial standing, reducing political and economic risks, and facilitating foreign investment.

He stressed the importance of legal reforms to create a secure and supportive environment for both domestic and foreign investors, particularly under current financial and sanction-related restrictions. Moreover, he called for realistic budget planning based on the country’s actual capacities rather than ideals, to promote development and investment.

Experts Stress Structural Reforms and Innovative Financial Tools to Boost Investment in Iran’s Energy Sector

Dr. Gholam Nabi Feyzi Chakab, Secretary of the Committee on International Trade, Oil and Gas Law, called for greater focus on financing methods, innovative financial instruments, and prioritization in economic and development policies. He invited scholars and experts to provide insights and recommendations in these areas, emphasizing that structural reforms, appropriate legislation, and the application of global best practices can create a safer and more attractive environment for investment in Iran’s oil, gas, and petrochemical industries.

Dr. Farshad Heidari, CEO of Ayandeh Bank, highlighted the current economic situation and investment opportunities in Iran, stressing the importance of structural reforms and the use of modern financial tools. He noted that renewed sanctions and international constraints require smart planning, and emphasized the need to retain domestic capital and prevent capital flight.

Dr. Heidari also pointed to the potential of innovative financial instruments—such as structured debt securities, project participation bonds, project funds, crowdfunding, smart payments, and digital securities—to play a key role in supporting economic development and attracting both small and large investments.

Iranian Experts Highlight Innovative Financial Tools and Digital Technologies for Major Projects

Dr. Farshad Heidari, CEO of Ayandeh Bank, emphasized the importance of financing large-scale projects, such as refineries and petrochemical plants, through innovative methods including pre-selling products and attracting foreign investment. He added that smart economy initiatives and digital technologies—such as blockchain and cryptocurrencies—can enhance financial processes and prevent money laundering.

Dr. Heidari also stressed the strategic role of national development funds and foreign exchange reserve accounts, calling for stronger collaboration between banks, capital markets, and policymakers. He highlighted that leveraging modern financial tools and reforming economic structures can accelerate Iran’s development and prosperity.

Dr. Majid Karimi Rizi, Head of the National Financing Center and Secretary of the National Financing Council, noted that over the past year, the Council and related institutions have focused on improving Iran’s financial system, including credit assessment, financial guarantees, and asset-based investment instruments. One key initiative is the Comprehensive National Investment Information System, which enables registering assets and using them as collateral for financing.

He further explained that the system supports innovative financing models for infrastructure projects, renewable energy, emerging technologies, and value chains. Examples include authorizing credit institutions to underwrite project company shares and using oil company assets as collateral for financing, allowing the issuance of warehouse certificates and integration with national financial systems after project commencement.

Iran Strengthens Financial Infrastructure and Banking Role in Energy Sector

Dr. Majid Karimi Rizi, Head of the National Financing Center, announced the establishment of a central credit database that collects tax, banking, insurance, and legal records of individuals and entities. The system aims to facilitate risk assessment and promote financial accountability by providing reliable and accurate information to both parties in financial transactions.

He emphasized that Iran is developing a comprehensive financial ecosystem for asset registration and valuation—from physical equipment to securities and shares. These systems play a crucial role in streamlining financial processes, securing assets, and reducing financial risks. Amid sanctions, domestic financial tools and tax exemptions have been leveraged to support investment and strengthen the country’s financial capacity.

Dr. Yaser Moradi, Director of the Banking Law Think Tank and Board Member of Bank Saderat, highlighted the banking sector’s vital role in financing Iran’s oil, gas, and energy industries, reducing reliance on foreign resources, and enhancing energy security. He cited successful domestic financing examples, such as the Bidboland project and Murabaha bond issuances, which have increased foreign exchange income and strengthened energy security.

Dr. Moradi also noted challenges, including bank agency contracts with the National Development Fund, non-repayment of foreign currency loans, and exchange rate issues affecting revenues of power plants and refineries, which have led to financial and legal difficulties.

Iranian Banking Experts Advocate Innovative Financing for Energy Sector Development

A board member of Bank Saderat highlighted innovative financial tools as key solutions for supporting Iran’s oil, gas, and petrochemical industries. He emphasized the use of tradeable participation bonds, the formation of banking consortia for large-scale projects, and structured financing methods to reduce pressure on banks and provide long-term, sustainable funding for the country’s energy sector.

He also stressed the importance of domestically-adapted, financially-analyzed financing models. According to the Banking Law Think Tank, the most effective approach in the oil and gas sector is securitization of future revenue streams, which allows future assets—such as oil and gas revenues—to be guaranteed. Forward contracts can also be used to secure these bonds, covering anticipated project income.

The International Investment and Financing Conference in the Oil, Gas, and Petrochemical Industries is scheduled to take place on October 27–28, 2025, at the Faculty of Law and Political Science, Allameh Tabataba’i University.