During the meeting, Majid Karimirizi, head of the National Financing Centre, emphasized the strategic importance of these projects, noting that four have already progressed beyond the halfway point and could be completed with customized financing models. The discussion included options such as local-currency instruments like factoring and special investment certificates, as well as hybrid packages that combine rial and foreign-exchange funding.
Officials from Bushehr province, which produces 60% of Iran’s petrochemicals, highlighted the government's priority of expanding the value chain and reducing crude oil exports. They stressed the need for some projects to become operational before the end of the current administration.
Representatives from the Tehran Stock Exchange and the Securities and Exchange Organization proposed that projects backed by listed companies could potentially raise capital through share issues or Islamic bonds. Those projects that show significant progress and have obtained regulatory approval might also qualify for financing through project-based public companies, as long as they meet necessary disclosure and legal requirements.
Investors expressed concerns about structural challenges in the capital market, leading to an agreement to hold additional sessions with regulators.
The meeting concluded with several recommendations, including prioritizing projects that are more than 50% complete, drafting memoranda of understanding among developers, banks, and exchanges, securing feedstock and utilities from the oil and energy ministries, and utilizing the National Development Fund in conjunction with bank credit lines.