Mohsen Pirhadi, speaking Tuesday at a meeting with the Iran Oil Association, said respect for private sector partners in the oil industry is more important than deference to oil executives. He noted that the private sector and oil associations can play a significant role in supporting and advancing the nation’s oil industry across many areas.  

Stressing the need to follow up on issues raised in the meeting, Pirhadi said, “Our economy is still oil-based. While some criticize this dependence, it remains the reality of our economy. Therefore, if oil associations and the private sector can contribute to this industry, they must actively engage to help elevate it.”  

The meeting was attended by Omid Shakeri, deputy minister of oil for engineering, research and technology and vice president of the Iran Oil Association; Arash Najafi, head of the Energy Commission at the Iran Chamber of Commerce; and several members of the oil association and chamber of commerce. The session also reviewed a report from the secretariat of the Iran Oil Association’s Contract Dispute Resolution Board.