Iran鈥檚 petrochemical output increased to 46 million tons compared to 43.5 million tons last year, Iran's energy information network Shana reported on Monday.
"I hoped that National Petrochemical Company's (NPC) production and exports will boost in the current year with the increased supply of petrochemical units鈥� feedstock and with the launching of new plants," said Ali-Mohammad Bossaqzadeh, director of quality control at the NPC.
He also stated that Tehran is ready for collaboration with foreign partners in order to invest and develop Iran鈥檚 petchem industry.
"Iran鈥檚 coastal lines including the Oman Sea basin are of interest to foreign investors to develop petrochemical projects. A major European firm is ready to invest 鈧�8 billion ($9.08 billion) in a petrochemical chain, but I cannot identify the company," added Bossaqzadeh.
Iran exported 19 million tons of petchem products and earned $9.5 billion in the first three months of this year.
After the sanctions lift, Iran also wants to focus on exports of petrochemical products to diversify its energy-generated revenues that are largely dependent on oil sales at the moment.
By Ugur Ertas
Anadolu Agency
ugur.ertas@aa.com.tr