NPC has begun to draw up the details of its fourth five-year development plan. The plan will be drawn up in the framework of the company's strategic program.

Iran Petrochemical Commercial Co. (IPCC), the NPC's commercial subsidiary, has posted an export earning of $335m for the four months ending 21 July 2003. The sales show 20% increase compared to the corresponding period last year.

NPC is moving ahead with plans for several new facilities in Bandar Imam and Assaluyeh. The new facilities include a 1,000,000 tonne/year cracker in Petrochemical Special Economic Zone, in Bandar Imam and two ethylene crackers with derivative units, namely Olefins No. 11 and No. 12, which will be constructed in South Pars Special Economic/Energy Zone on the Northern coast of the Persian Gulf.