Addressing a conference of oil industry entrepreneurs in Tehran on Thursday, the minister disclosed the government"s fresh drive to use domestic companies" technical and engineering potentials to the maximum in oil and gas projects.

The objectives of Vision 2021 provide the best opportunity for private Iranian contractors to ensure a much stronger participation in oil and gas exploration projects, he said.

"The issuance of privatization directives (by the leader of the Islamic Revolution) and limiting state involvement in implementing projects will encourage private sector to full participation."

He further noted that it has been decided to draw up a complete list of companies in the oil and gas sectors to be consulted by the ministry and used by project managers.

Earlier, during a tour of Asalouyeh, Bushehr province, the minister disclosed that two petrochemical complexes will soon become operational in Pars Special Economic Energy Zone.

Vaziri Hamaneh said the president or a high-ranking official will inaugurate Qadir and Borzouyeh petrochemical plants in Asalouyeh.

The minister, who inspected petrochemical plants in Asalouyeh and refineries under construction for South Pars project, said, "Gas injection for the 6th phase of South Pars gas field will start in two weeks and the phase will become operational at that time."

On the project to develop North Pars gas field, he noted, "Iran and China are satisfied with the outcome of the talks on the issue and we believe that Chinese companies are capable of undertaking the job."