He cited access to a young, educated workforce, raw mineral resources, domestic equipment and infrastructure as key advantages of investing in Iran.  

Speaking on Tuesday during an economic program on state TV, Amir Moqiseh explained that this event was organized to meet the objectives outlined in the Seventh Development Plan for oil and gas, approved by Iran’s parliament. 

“NIOC has designed this event to engage the private sector and the public in the oil and gas economy, unveiling 200 investment opportunities in the oil industry,” he said.  

Moqiseh noted that over 100 packages focus on oil and gas field development, while the rest involve investment opportunities across the value chain under NIOC’s management. 

“This event and its incentive packages are tailored for the Iranian private sector, but we welcome foreign participation in these projects,”he added.

“Existing and future contracts will include provisions for foreign partners.”

He emphasized that foreign companies must collaborate with Iranian firms, revealing that over 30 companies from 30 countries have already registered to attend.  

Creating a real business environment for investors

Maqiseh announced the event will feature comprehensive field data, contract models, incentive packages, financing solutions, and a non-governmental oil industry guarantee fund. “Our goal is to create a real business environment to attract domestic and foreign investment in the oil sector,” he said.  

Acknowledging investor concerns about transparency, he stated, in “We’ve released significant information to ensure private and foreign investors can make informed decisions.” Details on production, field specifications and economic terms will be provided, along with NIOC’s proposed contract models, which remain negotiable.  

Improving oil contract economics & boosting returns

Next week, NIOC will unveil an incentive package for upstream contracts aimed at improving profitability and internal rates of return. “We’ve agreed with the Planning and Budget Organization on a timeline, pending approval by the Economic Council,” Moqiseh said. 

“We’re also considering competitiveness relative to regional projects and similar contracts abroad.”

He stressed that oil is a global industry, requiring economic terms that reflect international dynamics. A separate financing package covering taxes and project funding will also be introduced, alongside a new non-governmental guarantee fund backed by banks, financial institutions and the Energy Exchange, offering guarantees up to €6 billion.  

Fourfold growth in oil investment opportunities 

Moqiseh highlighted a fourfold increase in oil investment opportunities, citing lessons learned from Iran’s buyback and IPC contracts. 

“Our goal is to streamline contract execution, share risks between the government and investors, and enhance economic appeal,” he said.  

Contractual flexibility for private sector 

Under Articles 15 and 40 of the Seventh Development Plan, public-private partnerships (PPPs) are now possible. 

“Diverse contract models address previous investor concerns about NIOC’s rigid frameworks,” Moqiseh said. “This flexibility signals our readiness to negotiate terms.”

He reiterated Iran’s competitive advantages: a skilled workforce, raw materials, steel and infrastructure, lower project costs, and global competitiveness. “Shifting from contractor-client models to investor-investee frameworks is key to successful private sector collaboration.”

For energy-intensive industries like petrochemicals and steel, upstream gas investment opportunities are available, with NIOC finalizing related contracts soon.