Zanganeh stresses need for new technology in Iran's energy industry

Berlin, May 9, IRNA - Iran needs new technology for its oil and gas industry rather than money, said Iranian Oil Minister Bijan Namdar Zanganeh in a meeting with heads of German energy companies in Berlin on Friday. More than money, we need new technology to be to be able to recover more oil and gas from our energy fields, the minister said. He urged German mid-and small-size energy companies to team up with reliable Iranian partners and cooperate in the oil and gas fields. Zanganeh also stressed the importance of the transfer of technology for Iran's oil and gas industry. He did stress though Iran's domestic oil and gas industry had made significant progress over the past eight years. We have a very good infrastructure and the government is helping investors, Zanganeh said. Billions of dollars have been invested in southern Iran for the petrochemical infrastructure, he added out. Highlighting Iran's gas strategy, Zanganeh said the main focus was on domestic consumption. 'With regards to gas, our main priority is on domestic consumption and then exporting it to our neighboring countries for the best possible price, said Zanganeh. Only Iran and Qatar have the capacity in our region to export gas,' he added. The oil minister referred also to ongoing discussions with regional countries for gas deals which could be finalized after the sanctions are lifted.