Ahmad Mahavi-Abhari, speaking Monday at the opening ceremony of the 19th IranPlast exhibition, said supporting the development of this industry equates to supporting the national economy, and this sector must be given special attention.

Despite a 12-day war and ensuing problems, this year’s exhibition has been held more magnificently than last year, he said, referring to the importance of the event. He expressed hope that the exhibition would have a positive outcome for strengthening production and aiding the country's economy.

The petrochemical industry holds a prominent place in the global economy, he said, adding that no household can be found without petrochemical products. Fortunately, valuable resources in the country are being converted into value-added products and used in various chains until the production of the final goods, he noted.

The secretary-general of the association emphasized that today, the country's petrochemical industry is recognized as the largest non-oil exporter and the largest supplier of complementary industries. Annually, between $7 billion and $8 billion worth of feedstock is provided to downstream industries, and we also supply the urea required by the agricultural sector, he said.

Mahavi-Abhari referred to the impact of sanctions on the petrochemical industry, stating that despite external pressures, their main concern is removing internal obstacles. Supporting this industry means supporting the national economy, and economic wisdom also dictates that this sector should be given special attention, he argued.

He cited one of the main duties of the petrochemical industry as meeting domestic needs before exports, adding that specialized associations must help ensure goods reach the consumer at a real price and without profiteering intermediaries. In this path, unity and coordination between organizations, both in the political and economic sectors, is of high importance, he said.

The secretary-general identified one of the main concerns of this industry as the stable supply of feedstock, especially gas in the winter season, stating that any increase in production in the upstream sector will lead to more prosperity in midstream and downstream industries, which benefits the entire country's economy.

Mahavi-Abhari noted that the bureaucracy for contracts has been reduced from four years to six months, adding that the first ratification of a contract for the development of gas fields by Bakhtar and Petro Farhang petrochemical companies will be carried out soon.