Iran Starts Major Project to Treat Wastewater with Cold Plasma
The Atomic Energy Organization of Iran (AEOI) has embarked upon a major project in the southern city of Shiraz where it will use cold plasma technology to treat wastewater.
The official IRNA news agency said in a Monday report that AEOI chief Mohammad Eslami had traveled to Shiraz over the weekend to supervise the signing of a contract between the city’s municipality and the Iranian presidency’s office for science and technology.
The contract will enable Shiraz to launch the first wastewater treatment project in Iran using a home-grown version of the cold plasma technology developed by AEOI scientists.
Cold plasma is a product of the ionization of a gas by applying electrical energy. The eco-friendly technology has shown efficacy in degrading complex organic pollutants, making it suitable for large-scale wastewater treatment projects.
The IRNA report quoted Eslami as saying that the project will open in 16 months in the Barmshour landfill near Shiraz, adding that it will treat some 100 cubic meters of wastewater every day to produce water for irrigation purposes.
“This is a major step on the path to tackle water shortage and to protect the environment,” he said, adding that the AEOI has successfully finished a pilot phase of the project before moving it to an industrial-scale process.
Iranian landfills receive more than 61 million metric tons of waste each year. The country has introduced major plans for waste recycling, including power plants running on solid waste and modern systems for wastewater treatment.
However, official figures show that only 10-17% of waste in Iran is recycled, far from the 70% milestone reported in modern economies. Shiraz is Iran’s fourth-largest city and the largest urban center in the country’s south. Its Barmshour landfill is spread across an area of 5,000 hectares, making it one of the biggest in the country. - Press TV
16/04/2025
Iraqi Chamber of Commerce Emphasizes Expanding Economic Ties with Iran's Qazvin Province
In a joint meeting between the Chambers of Commerce from Qazvin and Ilam and several Iraqi provinces, Iraqi representatives underscored their commitment to enhancing economic cooperation with Iran—particularly with Qazvin Province.
The meeting brought together officials from Qazvin and Ilam chambers along with delegates from the Chambers of Commerce of Karbala, Samawah, Diwaniyah, Babylon, Kut, and Diyala in Iraq. Provincial authorities and members of the Iranian parliament were also in attendance. The session focused on streamlining trade procedures, increasing commercial exchanges, and creating joint investment opportunities.
Alireza Pazouki, a board member of the Qazvin Chamber of Commerce, highlighted the trade volume between Iran and Iraq in 2023, noting it had reached US$11 billion. He stated that the two countries aim to increase this figure to US$20 billion, a goal that relies heavily on active participation from both sides’ business communities.
Pazouki also emphasized Qazvin’s significant industrial and agricultural potential. “Despite its limited geographic size, Qazvin is a major producer in the detergent, food, and industrial sectors and can play a vital role in meeting the needs of the Iraqi market,” he said. He invited Iraqi business delegates to visit the province’s factories and industrial sites.
Throughout the session, both sides stressed the importance of strengthening bilateral cooperation, enhancing private sector interactions, and expanding economic exchanges.
Mousavi, head of the Babylon Chamber of Commerce, expressed optimism about strengthening economic relations with Iran, especially Qazvin. “This province’s industrial and agricultural capabilities can effectively meet Babylon’s market demands. We hope these engagements will lead to actionable agreements,” he said.
Al-Aifi, head of the Diwaniyah Chamber of Commerce, stated that Diwaniyah has vast agricultural capacity and is seeking complementary technologies and products from Iran. “Our visit to Qazvin’s production facilities introduced us to new opportunities. Strengthening commercial ties is a priority for us,” he added.
Tamimi, head of the Diyala Chamber of Commerce, mentioned that Diyala is interested in joint ventures in the food and pharmaceutical industries. “Exploring Qazvin’s capabilities was extremely valuable. These visits are a prelude to future joint investments,” he said.
Sajed, head of the Kut Chamber of Commerce, welcomed cooperation with Iranian traders, especially in packaging, detergents, and food products. “Qazvin has shown it can be a reliable partner in supplying the Iraqi market. This relationship should continue,” he noted.
The head of the Karbala Chamber of Commerce also spoke at the meeting, saying, “Karbala has always been a gateway for trade with Iran. Collaborating with provinces like Qazvin, which possess strong industrial and export capacities, can help spur regional economic growth. We are ready to establish sustainable trade routes.”
At the end of the official sessions, the Qazvin Chamber of Commerce honored the visiting Iraqi delegations with symbolic cultural gifts as a gesture of appreciation. Mousavi (Babylon), Al-Aifi (Diwaniyah), Tamimi (Diyala), Sajed (Kut), and the head of the Karbala Chamber were all formally recognized.
This friendly and cordial exchange demonstrated the shared commitment of both sides to expanding economic and commercial partnerships between the Iranian and Iraqi private sectors.
The program concluded with a series of expert panels focusing on agriculture, food industries, construction, and leather goods (especially bags and shoes). These sessions took the form of B2B meetings, enabling direct interaction among traders, producers, and economic actors, and laying the groundwork for future collaborations. - Iran News
16/04/2025
30 Countries to Attend Iran’s Upstream Oil Investment Transformation Event
Representatives from 30 countries across Europe, South America, Asia and Africa have expressed readiness to attend Iran’s Upstream Oil and Gas Investment Transformation event.
The oil industry is the most capital-intensive sector in Iran and the world. The nature of this industry requires significant investment—from exploration to oil and gas production—while the necessary technologies are often expensive. To ensure Iran’s oil sector keeps pace with global development, investment in this field must remain an economic priority.
Oil is a key economic driver in Iran, contributing more to GDP than any other sector. There is also a positive correlation between oil and economic growth—when oil production and exports of "black gold" rise, so does economic growth. Conversely, declines in production and exports, often due to unilateral sanctions, negatively impact economic growth.
To achieve the 8% economic growth target under Iran’s Seventh Development Plan, investment in the oil and gas sector—particularly upstream projects—must be prioritized. With this goal, the National Iranian Oil Company (NIOC) is hosting the Upstream Oil and Gas Investment Transformation event.
On Tuesday, April 22, NIOC will introduce over 200 investment opportunities in upstream oil and gas projects and its value chain. While domestic capacity remains a priority under Iran’s "resistance economy" policies, attracting foreign investors is also essential.
Oil Minister Mohsen Paknejad announced Iran’s openness to foreign investment in its oil industry, particularly from neighboring countries.
Thanks to the active energy diplomacy of the Oil Ministry under the 14th administration, the event has drawn significant interest from energy sector players and financial markets. So far, representatives from 30 foreign countries across Europe, South America, Asia and Africa have confirmed participation.
The event will provide foreign investors with key information on NIOC’s transferable projects, investment regulations, procedures, and incentives. - Shana
16/04/2025
Iran Oil Low-Risk, High-Return Sector for Investors
The CEO of the National Iranian South Oil Company (NISOC) described investment in the oil industry as a prime opportunity for economic stakeholders, saying, "Lower risk and higher returns have made oil sector investments a lucrative prospect."
Ebrahim Piramoun highlighted the importance of the upcoming "Transformation in Investment and Development in Iran’s Upstream Oil and Gas" event, stating, "The oil and gas industry is one of the best sectors for production investment, aligning with this year’s theme chosen by the Leader."
Emphasizing investment opportunities in oilfield development, he noted, "Many of our fields remain undeveloped, partially developed, or require upgrades—even older fields need modernization. To maintain or enhance current capacities, new investments in this sector are essential."
The CEO also stressed the need to refurbish outdated oil equipment, adding, "Given the role of equipment upgrades in optimizing production, a wide range of investment opportunities exist across oil and gas sectors, offering ideal prospects for investors."
The "Transformation in Investment and Development in Iran’s Upstream Oil and Gas" event will be held on April 22 in Tehran. - Shana
16/04/2025
Iran's President Stresses Smart Management of Imbalance
The president emphasized the need for intelligent and precise management of imbalances, stating that accurate data on individual and household consumption will be collected to develop an actionable plan.
Masoud Pezeshkian spoke Tuesday during a meeting with members of the Iran Productivity Association. After hearing their views and suggestions, he said, “We accept all that you’ve proposed. For instance, in addressing imbalances, we are simultaneously working to manage shortcomings in supply while controlling demand and consumption.”
He noted that since the beginning of the 14th administration’s term, he has listened to all suggestions and ideas on improving productivity and has held discussions with numerous experts. However, he cautioned, “We have been careful not to hastily adopt and implement every proposal. We believe it’s essential to assess the potential outcomes and consequences of different solutions, categorize issues, and make decisions based on regional and environmental factors before moving to implementation.”
The president stressed that efforts will be made to ensure the management of imbalances is fully intelligent and precise. “In this regard, you, as productivity experts and advocates, can greatly assist the government,” he said. “The more accurate our data, the better the solutions we can design, making interventions to address imbalances more effective.” - Shana
16/04/2025
Tethys Oil Sees High Activity Across Oman Upstream Acreage in 2024
International oil and gas firm Tethys Oil, currently ranked among largest players by acreage in Oman’s upstream hydrocarbon sector, recorded an output of 7,889 barrels per day (bpd) of oil – corresponding to its working interests – from its assets in 2024.
This compares with an output of 8,818 bpd in 2023, entailing a decline of 11 per cent attributable to severe weather conditions with heavy rain and floods that impacted production from its principal asset – Blocks 3&4 in eastern Oman. Tethys Oil has a 30 per cent interest in the adjoining blocks, which are operated by CC Energy Development (with a 50 per cent interest). Mitsui E&P Middle East is a 20 per cent equity partner.
Commenting on its strategy for Oman’s upstream sector, Swedish-based firm noted: “Tethys Oil focuses its value creation process on the high potential, yet underexplored, areas flanking the basins that currently constitute most of Oman’s oil production. So far, Tethys Oil’s main success story is Blocks 3&4, with 45.6 million barrels of oil produced for Tethys Oil and with continued significant exploration potential remaining,” it stated in its 2024 Annual & Sustainability Report.
Besides Blocks 3&4, Tethys Oil also has a 100 per cent operating interest in Block 49; 65 per cent operating interest in Block 56 (along with Medco, Biyaq and Intaq as equity partners), and 100 per cent operating interest in Block 58.
Significantly, 2024 was characterized by “high activity” across its Oman portfolio, with both exploration and production activities received equal focus. In Blocks 3&4, currently its main producing acreage, development and appraisal drilling focused on the Farha and Shahd fields. In all, 49 new development and appraisal wells were drilled across the two blocks last year.
A key highlight of 2024 was the successful launch of the second phase of the landmark ‘Gas-to-Power’ project in Blocks 3&4. “The aim of the project is to reduce routine flaring and the use of diesel generators by using the associated gas produced for power generation. In total, around 90 producing wells were connected to the power plant by the end of the year. The project led to an increase in gas utilisation by 630 per cent and a reduction in flaring by 10 per cent taking the Group closer to the World Bank’s goal of “Zero Routine Flaring by 2030”, Tethys Oil explained in its report.
Another notable achievement of the year was the formal declaration of Block 56 as ‘commercial’ following the approval of a Field Development Plan (FDP) by the Ministry of Energy and Energy setting out a strategy for unlocking the hydrocarbon resources of the block. The FDP outlines a roadmap for the development of three discoveries in the Eastern Flank area, as well as a plan to appraise and develop nearby leads and prospects. Following the FDP’s approval in November, Tethys Oil and its partners were awarded an extension of the Exploration & Production Sharing Agreement (EPSA) until 2044.
In Block 58, the drilling of the Kunooz-1 exploration well failed to confirm the presence of hydrocarbons during test. However, the well yielded “an increased understanding of the play’s prospectivity”, additional analysis and evaluation planned for 2025, said Tethys Oil.
Finally, the EPSA for Block 49 – currently in the second exploration phase – has been extended by the Ministry until December 2026.
16/04/2025
IEA Affirms Kuwait's Importance to Global Energy Security
The International Energy Agency (IEA) highlighted the important role Kuwait and other oil-producing countries play in maintaining global energy security amid current international challenges, praising Kuwait's efforts to diversify its economy.
In an interview with KUNA, IEA's Middle East and North Africa (MENA) Program Manager Farrah Boularas discussed preparations for an upcoming international summit on the future of energy security in London on April 24-25.
Boularas stressed that despite the shift toward low-carbon energy, ensuring the stability of traditional energy markets remains a priority, especially given geopolitical tensions and climate change.
She also added that Kuwait and other energy producers have a long-standing record of reliable supply, making them key players in maintaining global energy stability.
She noted that although oil and gas are expected to have a smaller share in the global energy mix, these countries must adapt to changes in energy demand and ensure economic resilience amid climate challenges.
Boularas added that the region is strategically positioned to benefit from the energy transition by leveraging existing infrastructure and investing oil and gas revenues in clean technologies.
IEA continues to work closely with energy-producing states through its open-door policy to strengthen technical cooperation, noting that growing collaboration with Kuwait and other regional countries to reduce emissions and develop renewable energy.
She also revealed that the agency is preparing a key report on the future of electricity in the region, focusing on rising energy demand driven by climate change.
Regarding the London summit, Boularas said it would address the impact of geopolitics, technology, and economic challenges on energy security, and provide a platform for global leaders to strategize on current and emerging risks.
She concluded by affirming IEA's ongoing role in supporting global energy security through cooperation and sustainable energy transitions.
16/04/2025
Iraq Adjusts Import Policies for Agro Products
Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mr. Fuad Hussein chaired the eleventh meeting of the Ministerial Council for Economy on 27 April 2025. The session was attended by senior officials including the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Planning, the Ministers of Finance, Agriculture, and Labour and Social Affairs, as well as representatives from the Prime Minister's Office, the National Investment Commission (NIC), and the Federal Ministry of Oil.
Key decisions from the meeting included the following trade and agricultural measures:
- Table eggs were added to the "agricultural calendar", and their import was halted due to sufficient local supply.
- The import of tomatoes, potatoes, cauliflower, lettuce, turnips, and beets was permitted following the end of their local growing season.
- The import of onions was suspended due to the availability of domestic production.
- Dates and date paste were added to the electronic system for export licence applications.
These measures aim to support local farmers, improve trade efficiency, and respond to seasonal production cycles.
16/04/2025
Qatar Financial Markets Authority Issues Code of Market Conduct
The Qatar Financial Markets Authority has issued the Code of Market Conduct governing transactions among dealers in the Qatari financial markets in line with the Authority's strategic objectives to develop the financial market and boost the confidence of participants in it.
The issuance of this Code comes within the framework of the Qatar Financial Markets Authority's endeavors to achieve the objectives of maintaining confidence in the financial markets trading system, protecting securities owners and dealers, stabilizing the financial markets, and reducing any concomitant risks.
Such code comes within the framework of the Authority's legislations issued to regulate financial market activities with a view to promoting the values of fairness, competitiveness and transparency among financial market dealers, as well as educating investors in general about the accepted ethics and Code of conduct in the market, and how to avoid malpractices, illicit dealings and illegal activities.
The provisions of this Code apply to any deceptive or misleading act or conduct in accordance with the provisions of the Authority's legislations. The illustrations included in the Code are only examples of prohibited acts and behaviors in the market.
The Code of Market Conduct is the first legislation of its kind issued by the Authority and addressed to all ordinary investors and traders.
According to the code, promoting the purchase of a security for the purpose of selling it or to enable another person to sell it, and promoting the sale of a security for the purpose of buying it or to enable another person to buy it, constitutes manipulation or misleading actions that would give or likely to give a false or misleading impression regarding the supply of or demand for a security.
It is also considered manipulation or misleading that would give or likely to give a false or misleading impression regarding the supply or demand for a security, entering orders to buy or sell a security with the purpose of creating a false impression about the size of demand or supply, entering a large number of orders, updating orders, or canceling orders for a security with the purpose of misleading investors, or making it more difficult to identify real orders in the orders' register.
It is also considered manipulation or misleading actions that may give or are likely to give a false or misleading impression of the existence of trading activity in a security or a request to buy or sell it, conducting trading transactions that result in the transfer of ownership of the security between the accounts of the same person or accounts managed by the same person or between colluding parties with the purpose of creating a false impression about the actual trading volume, and conducting transactions or issuing orders on a security with the purpose of creating a false impression about trading in the security.
The Code of Market Conduct sets that Entering one or more purchase orders to support the price of a security with the purpose of executing one or more sell orders, and canceling the purchase orders after executing the sell order; Entering one or more orders to buy or sell a security without really intending to execute the orders by canceling them after their partial execution and doing so repeatedly; and Conducting transactions on the same security by a liquidity provider licensed to practice the activity of a market maker for the account of the liquidity provider and for the account of the market maker, are considered manipulation or misleading actions that may give or are likely to give a false or misleading impression of the existence of trading activity in a security or a request to buy or sell it.
According to the code, the following conducts constitute manipulation or misleading actions that would fix the price or create an artificial price for a security in a manner that gives or is likely to give a false or misleading impression: Buying or selling a security at the opening or closing of a trading session or at the end of any quarterly, semi-annual or annual reference period, with the purpose of controlling the level of the reference price or creating an artificial reference price to mislead investors; Entering or executing orders to buy a security at prices that increase successively, or in a pattern of successively increasing prices; Entering or executing orders to sell a security at successively decreasing prices, or in a pattern of successively decreasing prices; Entering or executing orders of an individual, or colluding individuals, with the purpose of controlling the supply, demand, or price of a security; Executing one or more orders to buy or sell a security repeatedly with the purpose of influencing its price; Collusion of subscribers who were allocated securities during the initial offering in order to purchase other shares of the security as soon as it starts trading in the market with the purpose of creating an unreal price or deceiving investors into believing that there is a high demand for it with the purpose of selling their subscribed shares; Entering or executing one or more orders to buy or sell a security with the purpose of keeping the price within artificial price limits; and Executing one or more orders of an individual or colluding individuals on a security or securities with the purpose of manipulating the market indicators.
In contrast, the Code does not consider the following conducts as manipulation or misleading actions: The company's buyback of its own shares in accordance with the provisions of the legislations issued in this regard; The brokerage company's execution of purchase orders for shares as part of the price stabilization mechanism if conducted in accordance with the legislations issued in this regard; The market maker's purchase or sale of securities in accordance with the legislations issued in this regard; The liquidity provider's purchase or sale of securities in accordance with the legislations issued in this regard; and Trading operations that are carried out with the purpose of buying or selling the listed security within short intervals of time but without the intention of manipulation in terms of affecting the volume of trading in the security or affecting the price.
16/04/2025
Bapco Energies-BIC Partnership Showcasing Bahrain on Global Stage
Mark Thomas, Group Chief Executive Officer of Bapco Energies, the integrated energy company leading the energy transition in the Kingdom of Bahrain, extended his congratulations to His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa and to His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister, on the successful organisation of the 2025 Formula 1 Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix.
Thomas recalled the Kingdom’s successful track record in hosting global motorsport events at Bahrain International Circuit (BIC), which have contributed to raising Bahrain’s international profile and reflect the leadership’s ongoing support and the achievements realised under the leadership of His Majesty the King.
Bapco Energies’ partnership with BIC, “the Home of Motorsport in the Middle East”, is part of its strategy to enhance its global presence and support the national economy by sponsoring sporting events that promote the Kingdom as a global destination for sport and tourism.
Bapco Energies has played a key role in shaping the history and future of motorsport in the Middle East, providing financial and logistical support since the inaugural Bahrain Grand Prix in 2004 and operating a dedicated fuel station at the Circuit to support its operations over the years.
The group is committed to supporting Bahraini youth in motorsport, both as drivers and engineers, through initiatives such as local karting championships aimed at developing national talent.
As a principal partner of BIC, Bapco Energies continues its efforts to achieve major milestones that support the development of the energy sector and promote sustainability in Bahrain. This is pursued through partnerships across various sectors and a structured framework for integrated sustainability with the Circuit.
The Bahrain Grand Prix plays a key role in supporting the national economy, attracting investment, creating quality job opportunities for citizens, boosting commerce and tourism, and contributing to economic diversification.
Bapco Energies’ strategic partnerships with international sports events help promote Bahrain to millions of viewers globally, reinforcing its international presence and positioning the Kingdom as a dynamic and progressive destination.
Bapco Energies leads meaningful initiatives for sustainability and climate action. During the recent Bapco Energies Bahrain 8 Hours Endurance Race, part of the FIA World Endurance Championship, the group collaborated with public and private entities to reduce carbon emissions and launched an environmentally friendly ticket initiative. A portion of each ticket sold, matched by Bapco Energies, supports mangrove planting in Bahrain as part of the national goal to quadruple mangrove coverage by 2035.
Bapco Energies also announced its official partnership with the McLaren Formula 1 Team at the 2024 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix held at Yas Marina Circuit from December 5-8 2024. This strategic partnership reflects a shared commitment to excellence, innovation, and sustainable success, values embedded in Bapco Energies’ operations and its subsidiaries.
Fatima bint Jaffar Al Sairafi, Minister of Tourism and Chairperson of the Bahrain Tourism and Exhibitions Authority, highlighted that Bahrain witnessed an increase in tourism indicators, specifically hotel occupancy rates and average length of stay, coinciding with the 2025 Formula 1 Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix. She noted that the presence of leading global investors presents a valuable opportunity to showcase Bahrain’s strengths and investment appeal.
She commended public-private cooperation, highlighting the role of Bapco Energies in supporting national events and noting its status as a leading national brand with a 90-year legacy in Bahrain’s energy sector.
Al Sairafi said that such partnerships enhance tourism and contribute positively to sustainable development and the national economy. She highlighted that BIC is among the world’s most distinguished tracks, and that Bapco Energies’ two-decade-long partnership has enhanced the Circuit’s global standing and improved the visitor experience through ongoing development. The Circuit is a vital part of Bahrain’s sports tourism infrastructure.
She emphasised the need for a shared vision with clear objectives to ensure sustainable tourism growth and increase the sector’s competitiveness, in line with the 2022–2026 Tourism Strategy and the growing global interest in motorsport and international travel.
She also highlighted Bahrain Tourism and Exhibitions Authority’s efforts to boost tourism during the Formula 1 season, in cooperation with the private sector, by offering exceptional visitor experiences at both the Formula 1 Village at BIC and across Bahrain’s tourism and heritage sites, with the aim of encouraging return visits throughout the year.
Mark Thomas emphasised that the sustainable partnership between Bapco Energies and BIC reflects the vision of His Majesty the King and the guidance of HRH the Crown Prince and Prime Minister, in support of youth and sports to promote wellbeing and community development through major sporting events.
He explained that Bapco Energies’ sponsorship of events at the Circuit has helped enhance its global brand and raise awareness of the group and its subsidiaries. He added that the partnership supports broader national efforts to drive economic growth and attract tourism and investment.
Thomas said: “The Bahrain Grand Prix is more than a race—it is a platform for cultural exchange and an opportunity to highlight Bahrain’s achievements, heritage, and development. It has contributed to the national economy and helped build a strong base of motorsport fans across Bahrain and the Middle East.”
16/04/2025