Mostafa Motedayen highlighted PIDMCO’s 31-year track record in executing petrochemical development projects. Since 1994, the company has managed major national projects, including process units, utilities, offsite facilities, and infrastructure developments, particularly in Mahshahr and Asaluyeh. To date, PIDMCO has completed 28 projects with investments exceeding $15 billion.

Following privatization in 2014, PIDMCO continued its role in petrochemical development as the operational arm of Persian Gulf Petrochemical Industries Company (PGPIC). The transition from state to private management focused on project management consulting (PMC), enabling PIDMCO to become one of the region’s largest PMC providers while obtaining necessary certifications.

Currently, PIDMCO oversees 25 projects worth $11 billion, including some of Iran’s largest petrochemical initiatives:

- Hormuz Petrochemical Project (two phases, each with seven sub-projects) 

- Almas Petrochemical Project (seven sub-projects) 

- East Karun Flare Gas Recovery Project (19 sub-projects) 

- Bidboland Gas Refinery PDH/PP Project 

These four projects alone account for $8 billion in investment.

 Prioritizing near-completion projects 

Motedayen cited financing as a major challenge due to sanctions. PGPIC has prioritized projects nearing completion to expedite operational readiness. Resources are being allocated to high-priority projects, with close monitoring to ensure timely delivery.

He noted that typical global petrochemical projects take three to four years. Delays beyond six years lead to financial losses, and Iran’s unfinished projects contribute to economic inefficiency—even inflation—by locking up capital.

 A national mission to complete projects 

Motedayen emphasized that operationalizing ongoing projects is a national duty, comparing stalled investments to idle household gold and dollar reserves. PIDMCO aligns with PGPIC’s policies, focusing on completing the ethylene value chain, including key projects like Gachsaran Polymer and Dehdasht Petrochemical, which add significant value.

Projects such as Arghavan Gostar Ilam and HyCO Karoon Petrochemical are advancing and will become operational in the first half of this year. Flare gas recovery—an environmental and resource-saving priority—is also progressing, with sub-projects coming online sequentially.

 Expanding international collaboration 

Motedayen stressed that while domestic equipment supply has risen from near-total reliance on imports to over 80%, complete self-sufficiency is impractical. Global cooperation ensures access to top-tier technology and quality. Sanctions have hampered licensing and equipment procurement, but their removal would accelerate industry growth.

 Targeting foreign projects 

PIDMCO aims to enter international projects in 2025, targeting markets like Uzbekistan, Oman, and Armenia. This strategy aims to boost foreign currency earnings, enhance competitiveness, and share expertise. The company is restructuring to improve agility and project management, serving as both contractor and PMC.

 Recruiting talent, going tech-based 

PIDMCO is developing programs to repatriate Iranian experts abroad while training domestic talent. An equity-based recruitment app ensures fair hiring nationwide, with plans to expand it nationally in collaboration with the Ministry of Oil.

The company, already a top choice for employers, is pursuing formal recognition as a new technology-based firm to strengthen R&D, technical expertise, and partnerships with domestic and international NTBFs.