Abdollah Azari-Ahvazi, referencing the annual slogan and ahead of a major event, stated that Iran’s oil and gas industry—with its vast reserves, technical infrastructure, skilled workforce and unique potential in areas like West Karoun—provides a strong foundation for attracting domestic and foreign investment.

He emphasized that investment in this sector, alongside increased production and efficiency, would drive fundamental economic growth and job creation. Citing examples like Japan, China, Singapore and Malaysia, he noted how these nations relied on domestic resources and directed them toward production and infrastructure during periods of limited foreign capital access, ultimately building major economies.

Iran, he said, could follow a similar path by leveraging domestic reserve funds and fostering networks between producers and industrial clusters.

The CEO stressed that achieving this requires legal and regulatory frameworks, including supportive investment laws, stable economic policies, streamlined business permits and removal of production barriers.

 Overcoming challenges through collaboration, strategic planning 

Azari-Ahvazi highlighted key incentives for attracting investors, such as long-term low-interest loans, enhanced investment security, tax exemptions and public awareness campaigns on the importance of production investment. He added that a single investor portal and expert advisory services would facilitate entry into upstream projects.

Despite Iran’s high potential in oil and gas, he acknowledged challenges like inflation, price volatility, high interest rates, sanctions and economic stagnation. He also cited political, legal, infrastructural, technological, social, cultural, security and geographic risks, underscoring the need for precise planning, sustained follow-up and cooperation among the government, parliament, judiciary, public institutions and the private sector.

Long-term strategy to boost domestic production 

Azari-Ahvazi called the "Investment for Production" slogan a logical continuation of past themes like "Production Leap," "Knowledge-Based and Job-Creating Production" and "Production: Support and Obstacle Removal." These slogans, he said, reflect a long-term strategy to strengthen domestic output and reduce foreign dependence.

He described the upcoming Investment and Development Transformation Event in upstream oil and gas as not just a professional gathering but a strategic initiative. By transparently presenting lucrative investment opportunities, it could chart a new roadmap for the industry’s future.

Arvandan Oil and Gas Company will showcase investment plans in shared field development, rapid-construction processing plants, solar power plants and West Karun gas field expansion at the event.