Speaking at the opening ceremony of the Iran Petrochem 2025 conference and exhibition on Saturday, Mohammad-Jafar Kabiri stated that Kish provides a suitable platform for establishing a technological hub in the oil, gas, and petrochemical sectors.

He noted that the exhibition offers an opportunity to identify challenges facing the petrochemical industry and present innovative, technology-driven solutions to address them.

Kabiri emphasized that the petrochemical industry has always played a central role in Iran, driving economic growth during prosperous times and sustaining the economy during sanctions as he stressed the need to accelerate the industry’s progress with full force.

The CEO announced that the Kish Free Zone Organization is ready to take a collaborative step by establishing and developing a science and technology park, along with the necessary infrastructure, to position Kish as a research and development center for the petrochemical industry in southern Iran.

He added that the organization aims to create a conducive environment for new technology-based firms (NTBFs) in the oil, gas, and petrochemical sectors to set up operations in the region.

Kabiri revealed the signing of a memorandum of understanding between the Vice Presidency for Science and Technology, the Persian Gulf Holding, and the Kish Free Zone Organization.

He said the agreement reflects their serious commitment to hosting innovative and technology-driven companies in the petrochemical industry on Kish Island.

He highlighted the potential of artificial intelligence (AI) and the Internet of Things (IoT), as well as the digitalization of processes, to enhance productivity and optimization in the petrochemical industry.

Kabiri also noted that these advancements provide opportunities for skill development among industry professionals.

Kabiri stressed that the use of AI in supply chain management can significantly boost productivity in the industry.

He described the signing of the memorandum as the beginning of creating a technology and AI ecosystem that supports smart management in the oil, gas, and petrochemical sectors.

While this may be a first-of-its-kind initiative in Iran, he pointed out that major companies and holdings like BP and Aramco have already pioneered investments in AI, and he believes this model can be replicated in Iran and Kish.

He expressed hope that through collaborative and coordinated efforts, a major transformation in the oil, gas, and petrochemical sectors can be achieved.

The second Iran Petrochem Conference and Exhibition (Iran Petrochem 2025), themed "Supporting Technology-Based Production," opened on Saturday and will run for three days.

The event, held at the Kish International Exhibition Center from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m., features over 140 petrochemical companies, domestic firms, and knowledge-based and technology-driven entities in the petrochemical sector.