According to NIOC, Hamid Bovard, speaking on Wednesday during President Masoud Pezeshkian’s visit to Ilam Province, highlighted the region’s vast potential for balanced and sustainable development. 
He noted that Ilam’s unique geography and existing infrastructure position it as a hub for major economic transformations, particularly in energy.  

Bovard pointed to ongoing upstream oil efforts, including the second phase of the Azar oil field development, which has seen over $2 billion in investment and is progressing steadily.  

Changuleh oil field development to begin soon  

Bovard also announced the upcoming launch of the Changuleh oil field development project, stating that the early-phase contract will soon be awarded to contractors, with operations beginning after necessary preparations. 
He confirmed that preliminary meetings have been held, paving the way for work to start.  
Emphasizing NIOC’s support for local workforce development, Bovard said hiring local specialists is a priority for the Azar field project, with contractors instructed to avoid non-local hires when qualified residents are available.  

437b tomans allocated for public projects  

Bovard added that NIOC is ready to invest in training and upskilling local workers to build a skilled, long-term workforce in the region.  

Regarding NIOC’s social responsibility initiatives in Ilam, he said 437 billion tomans has been allocated for public projects, with 275 billion tomans already spent. These projects, coordinated with the provincial government, are underway.  

27 social responsibility projects completed in Mehran 

The deputy oil minister noted that 50 social responsibility projects were planned in Mehran County, with 27 completed so far. The allocated budget for these projects totals 96 billion tomans, with 30 billion tomans spent to date.  
In closing, Bovard announced the imminent launch of the NGL 3100 gas project, which will soon be inaugurated by senior officials and begin production—a major step in expanding the gas value chain in western Iran.  

Bovard represented the government in Mehran during the president’s visit to Ilam as part of a cabinet delegation.