Zohreh Alipour emphasized the need for a regulatory body to organize the market and ensure competitiveness.  

Alipour, speaking Sunday at the second national conference on development and foresight in the petrochemical industry, noted significant progress in the sector. "So far, about 65 petrochemical companies have been transferred to the private sector and non-governmental public institutions," she said. 
"Aside from minor shares in a few companies, including Hegmataneh Petrochemical, Ibn Sina, and a small stake in the Persian Gulf Holding, the government no longer has ownership in this industry to compete with the private sector—a major step forward in privatization."  

Alipour stated that transferring operations to the private sector undoubtedly improves the business environment. She added that since petrochemical companies distribute dividends from "Justice Shares," a significant number of citizens are now indirect shareholders in these firms.  

Stressing the necessity of establishing a regulatory body for the petrochemical industry, Alipour said, "Creating this institution is essential, and discussions about it have been raised in parliament. We hope it will be implemented as soon as possible."  

She described the petrochemical industry as a key driver of Iran’s economy, urging investors to focus on technological advancements, profitability, and competition with neighboring countries to secure a stronger position in international markets.  

"Since the government no longer has a major stake in the petrochemical industry, private companies have fostered a relatively competitive environment," Alipour said. "However, the lack of a clear regulatory body remains a weakness that must be addressed to pave the way for a more profitable and transparent market."