SHANA- Managing Director of National Petrochemical Company (NPC) Marziyeh Shahdaei says the Iranian Ministry of Petroleum backs domestic manufacturers as the industry is growing independent of foreign developers.

Addressing the opening ceremony of the 8th Exhibition of Oil, Gas, Refining and Petrochemical Industries at the Pars Special Energy Economic Zone on Monday, Shahdaei said most petrochemical plants in Iran are 60 to 70% developed by domestic companies in Iran while in the past the facilities had to be completely imported to the country.

"Today, we are proud to be capable of designing, constructing and operating a petrochemical plant by relying on domestic industrialists," she said.

Shahdaei, who is also deputy petroleum minister in petrochemical affairs further said now that foreign investors visit Iranian petrochemical facilities become astonished when they learn that the plants are all developed by Iranian contractors.

The 8th Exhibition of Oil, Gas, Refining and Petrochemical Industries has opened at the academic complex of Pars Special Energy Economic Zone.

The 4-day event opened on Sunday but its official inauguration was held on Monday in the presence of senior petrochemical officials.

Aimed at boosting equipment supply by domestic manufacturers, investment and technology transfer from foreign companies, the showcase is mounted with dozens of domestic oil industry manufacturers.

Exhibitors active in exploration, drilling, production and operation of oil and gas fields have gathered in the showcase.

Delegations from internationally renowned R&D institutes are also present in the fair.