An official of the National Development Fund of Iran (NDF) expressed the organization’s preparedness to finance approximately $23 billion in quick-return projects, export-oriented initiatives, and large-scale projects, including those in the oil, gas, petrochemical, steel, and renewable energy sectors, with the aim of supporting domestic production and realizing the new Persian calendar year’s motto — Investment for Production.The director of supervision and claims collection at the NDF said that in the new Iranian year (began on March 20, 2025) – 1404, the NDF is prepared to finance these projects, all in line with supporting domestic production, as reported by IRNA.Alireza Banihashemi said that alongside projects in the oil, gas, petrochemical, and steel sectors, renewable energy projects have been prioritized for investment due to existing imbalances in the energy sector.He highlighted the year’s strategic objectives, emphasizing support for production and investment. He confirmed the fund’s readiness to provide comprehensive financing for the country’s economic initiatives.In response to the question of whether the $25 billion figure for project financing in the year 1404) is final, Banihashemi explained, “As repeatedly emphasized, the NDF is a financial institution and does not engage in direct ownership. In fact, the NDF facilitates investment in the country by financing the private sector.”He stated that the NDF’s investment priorities for the year 1404 are focused on quick-return and export-oriented projects. “Alongside projects in the oil, gas, petrochemical, and steel sectors, renewable energy projects, especially in the power sector, have been prioritized for investment due to existing imbalances in the energy sector and the presidential directive,” he added.The official further said, “The NDF will soon begin financing one of the country’s largest renewable energy power plant projects. This project is part of the plan to produce 30,000 MW of electricity from renewable sources, with the necessary permits issued and classified and prioritized by relevant task forces.”“Within this framework, any project that has obtained the necessary permit from SATBA (Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Organization) and is introduced to the NDF by the operating bank can enter the financing process,” he continued.Banihashemi also addressed the timeline for the realization of the announced $25 billion investment, “Naturally, financing this volume of projects will be gradual. Projects will be completed over several years, and we will also use revenue sources and previously freed resources to finance new projects.”“In the current year, approximately $15 billion is allocated for oil and gas projects, $3 billion for renewable energy, and $5 billion for industries such as steel, petrochemicals, and water transfer projects from the Persian Gulf and the Sea of Oman.”Banihashemi also discussed the status of semi-completed industrial projects and their need for financing, “The NDF is paying special attention to this category of projects, especially those that have been halted due to exchange rate fluctuations or implementation issues. If these projects are economically justifiable and have obtained the necessary permits, the NDF is prepared to bring them into the financing cycle to ensure the completion of past investments.” (ICE TEHERAN)

Fonte notizia: IRAN DAILY