" Prudence dictates us to convert oil and gas to products with higher value-added. The government is serious and resolute in providing support for the development of the petrochemical industry."

Seyyed Mohammad Khatami, President of the Islamic Republic of Iran

" Given the relative advantage that the Iranian petrochemical industry enjoys and the high-margin of value-added which it generates, a drastic change will emerge in the industry boosting the country's GDP in petrochemical sector by 50 per cent."

Bijan Namdar Zanganeh, Iran's petroleum minister

" Petrochemicals currently contribute around 1.6% to Iran's national GDP. But, by 2005 this figure is expected to increase to around 2.1%."

M. R. Nematzadeh, Iran's deputy petroleum minister and NPC president

" Development programs at the Iranian petrochemical sector have a tendency to generate maximum value-added from crude oil; and petroleum ministry has put the growth of the sector on its agenda."

Akbar Torkan, Iran's deputy petroleum minister for planning