Baku, Azerbaijan, Sept. 4
By Khalid Kazimov -- Trend:
Next month a delegation from the Iranian Ministry of Petroleum will visit South Africa to discuss improving mutual relations, Deputy Oil Minister in Petrochemicals Abbas Sheri Moqaddam said.
He said the talks will seek to boost Iran's hydrocarbon products export to South Africa, noting that the African country needs products such as LNG, naphtha, liquid gas, and crude oil, SHANA news agency reported September 4.
Pointing to recent talks between Iran and South Africa, he said South African officials are able to create rivals for the country's oil giant Sasol.
A day earlier, Sasol told Trend that the company had not yet taken any steps to re-enter Iran's market in the post-sanctions period.
The company regularly reviews potential global investment opportunities that could fit well strategically, the company said, adding however, at this stage, Sasol is not pursuing any prospects in Iran.
Sasol divested of its interest in Iran's Arya Sasol Polymer Company in 2013 and henceforth has no invested or operating interest in Iran, the company underlined.
Earlier some media reports claimed that Sasol has indicated to Iranian officials its interest to re-enter the country's petrochemicals industry.
Commenting on the Iranian petrochemical industry, Moqaddam said the industry has shown to be able to return 20 percent of the initial investment.
He further pointed out that Iran can use South Africa's expertise in GTL.
Edited by CN