Despite the new US sanctions and bullying, and concerns expressed by Dutch banks, Dutch companies are still cooperating with Iran’s oil industry, said the head of the Dutch pavilion at the 24th Iran International Oil, Gas, Refining and Petrochemical Exhibition, May 1-4, in Tehran.
“Dutch firms have an active presence in Iran and carry out different activities in the market,” the Oil Ministry news website Shana quoted Khosrow Salour as saying.
He said the Dutch government does not prevent the country’s companies from cooperating with Iran’s oil industry and is committed to the terms of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), signed between Iran and the six world powers in 2015.
Representatives from 15 Dutch firms were present at the pavilion, he added.
“Italian firms are interested in cooperating with Iranian petrochemical companies,” said Augusto Di Giacinto, a senior commercial officer at the Italian Trade Agency.
Twelve companies active in petrochemical industries also participated in the exhibition.
“The presence of Italian companies, despite the obstacles and difficulties, shows our determination to stay in the Iranian market. Italian companies are well aware of the potentials and opportunities.”
The sales director of JDA Diamond Tooling, a South African firm, said despite the unilateral restrictions his company has no qualms about direct cooperation with Iranian firms.
Jason De Araujo said for the past 25 years his company has been involved in exploration, digging, mining and the oil and gas sectors.
“Despite being a newcomer in Iran’s market, over the past 30 months, we have managed to supply digging equipment to Iranian firms and cooperate closely with a digging company. We hope to be able to have a more expanded role in the Iranian market.”
The annual exhibit is held to promote the oil and gas industry in Iran and display technological development in the key sector.
Foreign companies from 21 countries including Spain, Germany, Italy, Ukraine, China, Russia, Azerbaijan and the Netherlands attended the 4-day event.
