Amir Hekmatmehr, Secretary of the Polymer Equipment Manufacturers and
Machinery Producers Guild Association, emphasized the critical role of
machinery in enhancing productivity and ensuring sustainable growth in the
petrochemical value chain. "Producing energy-efficient, high-performance
machinery not only supports the downstream industry but also drives value
creation across the sector," he said.
Hekmatmehr highlighted the challenges posed by Iran’s energy
imbalances, which have significantly affected small and medium-sized
enterprises (SMEs) in the downstream sector. "The downstream segment,
being the most vulnerable, bears the brunt of energy shortages and
mismanagement. This disrupts production and undermines investments, halting the
progress needed to end crude exports and focus on value-added production,"
he explained.
He warned that energy supply issues could lead to capital flight from
the sector, further weakening the entire petrochemical value chain.
"Without reliable energy supplies and a conducive environment for
investment, we risk stalling development and losing the competitive edge of our
downstream industry," Hekmatmehr added.
Hekmatmehr stressed that advanced machinery forms the backbone of the
petrochemical industry, enabling efficiency from raw material extraction to the
production of final goods. "We need cutting-edge machinery with high
energy efficiency and superior performance to drive growth. However, energy
shortages and mismanagement have also impacted the machinery manufacturing
sector, which is critical for the entire value chain," he said.
He called for a coordinated approach to ensure balanced growth across
all segments of the petrochemical industry. "For the value chain to
thrive, every link—from raw material processing to downstream production—must
grow in harmony," he noted.
On the current state of investments, Hekmatmehr said, "While the
polymer and plastics industries have seen substantial growth and offer
attractive investment opportunities, inconsistent policymaking and energy
mismanagement have undermined the potential of downstream industries. SMEs, in
particular, suffer the most due to limited capital and unfavorable
conditions."
He emphasized the importance of aligning government policies with
industry needs to channel investments into production-oriented sectors.
"We need a strategic approach to support downstream industries, as they
directly impact key sectors like automotive and construction, which are heavily
reliant on polymer products," he explained.
Hekmatmehr outlined key demands from the private sector for the
Iranian government, including better management, reduced political
interference, and greater inclusion of specialized experts in decision-making.
"The private sector seeks to act as the government’s partner, not just a
subordinate. Mismanagement has led to energy shortages despite the country’s
vast resources, forcing businesses to look elsewhere for investments," he
said.
He also called for stronger collaboration between industry
associations and government agencies. "Associations and guilds serve as
valuable advisory bodies due to their experience and cost-efficiency.
Establishing a strategic council involving these organizations can help the
National Petrochemical Company (NPC) make informed decisions with minimal
expenses," he suggested.
Hekmatmehr proposed forming a quarterly council comprising polymer
industry associations to act as a think tank for the NPC. "Such a council
could provide valuable insights, enabling the NPC to achieve its goals with
minimal costs while maximizing efficiency," he concluded.