Iran expects to increase catalyst exports to Russia in 2023

MOSCOW. Oct 16 (Interfax) - Iran expects to increase exports of catalysts to Russia this year, Tasnim News Agency reported, citing Deputy Oil Minister Ahmad Assadzadeh.

"It is expected that export of Iranian-made catalysts to the Russian Federation will increase in the current year (which started on March 21, 2023)," Assadzadeh was quoted as saying to reporters.

He said Iran exported about $9 million worth of catalysts to Russia in the six months from March 21 to September 21, 2023, while in the whole 2022 financial year it export $8 million worth.

Assadzadeh also spoke on the sidelines of Russian Energy Week about Iranian Oil Minister Javad Owji's talks with Russian Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak and representatives of Russian oil and gas companies. Iranian agency Shana, citing Assadzadeh, reported that they discussed Russian participation in the exploration of three Iranian oil fields.

Assadzadeh also said that some Russian companies voiced their willingness to invest in Iran's petrochemical industry.