A: This technology is brand new so we have to introduce it to our customers and tell them where it is in operation. I think there is no doubt that we can export this technology and we will do that.
Q: Do you have any plans for cooperation in other sectors of oil and gas industry?
A: Yes, we do. It was just a few days ago that we had a discussion with the petrochemical company. It is premature to go into details but we have cooperation with a German company who issues a license, and is requiring the product which they want to license and probably they would also have a share in the investment and I can tell you more in this regard, once we are further in discussion but it is a plan which was supplied in the 1980s, and since then nothing has happened. It sustained out own company and the embargo has led to a situation that the economics of this plan is put under question. However, the idea is now with the German licenser. They have developed this technology further. They have actually the same plan designed three- fold the capacity and they have they have plans which are five percent higher than what is actually operated, so in such constellation I think we can significantly improve the performance of this particular plant.
Q: Since last year a large number of German companies have visited Iran and even your ministers have led delegations to Iran. Most of them have voiced willingness for investment in Iran’s petrochemical sector. What do you think of that?
A: Well, you have very qualified engineers in the country and I think we must all work together because you are in need of investment; you have been in need of rejuvenation of industry for the last ten years. This needs to be worked out as quickly as possible so I think it is an opportunity for everyone, it is a win-win situation for everyone that we can take a share to bring a new technology such as this methanol to fuel. We can also support with this license which was developed further with new generation of catalysts, so all these measures can be taken and we cannot do it all by our own, you cannot do it all by your own. I think it is a great opportunity also to support this long-lasting friendship between the countries.
My father had assistants in the university which were from Iran whom I liked very much so I think we can take that up again.
Q: So do you think that the petrochemical industry provides a good opportunity for Europe, especially Germany to invest in?
A: I would not discriminate anyone. So, yes it is a great opportunity. We should not lose each other. I feel so welcomed here in Iran, so I appreciate very much and I think that is a good start, a good basis.
Q: And in general, what do you think of Iran Oil Show?
A: Facing all the challenges, I have discussed with the German exhibitors and I heard from my colleagues what was happening the years before, the run of all potential suppliers on this exhibition is enormous. It was very difficult to cope with all the demands. We wanted a booth, they all wanted a booth and there was a lot of improvisation and if I look at it now, everything is different, the infrastructure is not there, what shall we do, but there were so many helpful hands here and that is what I meant, helpful hands, if we work together we get it resolved. So that is the impression I have.
So all the German booths originally in the last year were all in one place like Italian pavilion, like Spanish pavilion, this year they are all scheduled to be concentrated and typically there was an infrastructure. It is all lost but it does not harm. As long as you have helpful hands so now I see this will form basis of cooperation and I think that is great.
Q: As you know in the post-sanctions era, major European firms from Spain, the Netherlands and France have shown interest in Iran’s projects. How can you compete with other European companies in Iran’s market?
A: I do not have any big doubt because it was the philosophy of CAC not only to provide engineered pipes but to develop technology. And we have always had very good relationship with a technical university with whom we developed this methanol to fuel process for instance, and also with the Russian process technologists, they have excellent technology available and this international cooperation supports us. So, I do not see that competition. If we see a good idea in France, we will also pick it up.
As an engineering contractor we have to look around where is the best potential technology available and I do not make any difference whether it comes from Germany, France or Spain. I tried to realize and put into our plans the best ideas. Always an idea can help, is the slogan that we have. That is why we look for the best available technology across the world we can take to the advantage of our customers. So I think it is great that we can choose all the European suppliers specialties from the neighboring countries – the French, the Dutch, and German, that’s all.
Q: How do you compare this year’s exhibition with those held in previous years?
A: This is the first time that I am here, but I think our company took part in this exhibition in 2005 for the first time and the feedback from my colleagues was very good and they met many people and after the exhibition we kept in touch with those people and clients in Iran and also some projects came from the exhibition.
Q: Have you implemented any projects in Iran since 2005?
A: One was this project which we finished in 2009; it was for Aban petrochemical company. We are also in contact with Research Institute of Petroleum Industry (RIPI).