Specialized Consultation Meeting on Corporate Social Responsibility of Companies Based in Bushehr, Hosted by Saba Energy Holding;
Skill Development, the Strategic Path of Social Responsibility / Emphasis on the Essential Link Between Industry, Productivity, and Local Welfare

A specialized consultation meeting aimed at reviewing and exchanging views on corporate social responsibility and the development of skill-based training was held, hosted by Saba Energy Holding.

According to the Public Relations of Saba Energy Holding, the meeting was attended by Gholamhossein Mohammadi, Deputy Minister and Head of the Technical and Vocational Training Organization of Iran; Rasoul Rostami, Deputy Governor of Bushehr for Economic Affairs; Ali Panahi, CEO of Saba Energy Holding; and several CEOs of petrochemical companies located in Bushehr Province.

Panahi: Saba Energy considers education and skill development a key priority of social responsibility

Ali Panahi, CEO of Saba Energy Holding, emphasized in the meeting that education and the allocation of social responsibility budgets go beyond expenditure and are among the core priorities of the holding and its subsidiaries. He stated that this approach aligns with the vision of the President and added: “We are fully ready to cooperate in all proposed frameworks.”

He described skill development as one of the most important aspects of social responsibility and noted: “Our priority is upgrading skills. Even if trained individuals are not directly employed in our manufacturing operations, they still contribute to employment and create positive social outcomes.”

Referring to the development process of the Kangan Polymer project and the presence of Jam Petrochemical and Jam Pilen in Bushehr region, Panahi announced the holding’s readiness to provide the required technical and vocational equipment for the province. He added: “I am certain that through re-training, significant productivity can be achieved in production processes. Considering technological changes and management approaches, my colleagues will pursue this matter seriously to ensure agile decision-making, as this is also among the key priorities of the Minister of Cooperatives, Labour, and Social Welfare.”

Head of Technical and Vocational Training Organization: Our strategic investment must focus on workforce productivity

Gholamhossein Mohammadi, Head of the Technical and Vocational Training Organization of Iran, emphasized that the country’s strategic investment should focus on productivity.

He stated that due to rising capital depreciation and reduced capital formation rates, “our strategic investment is not in physical assets but must be concentrated on productivity, particularly workforce productivity.”

Mohammadi described skill development as a shared path followed by advanced countries after economic crises and noted: “In the Seventh Development Plan, 30% of GDP growth is assigned to productivity, a major part of which relies on human capital.”

He added: “The most valuable gift an industry can offer its local community is empowerment.”

The Deputy Minister of Labour mentioned the stabilization of the governance model for technical and vocational centers through a board-of-trustees structure, enabling petrochemical companies to act as members or chairpersons of these boards. He said this would allow them to address both their specialized needs and those of the local community. “We aim to align national resources with regional needs.”

Deputy Governor: Social responsibility must lead to direct welfare

Rasoul Rostami, Deputy Governor of Bushehr for Economic Affairs, linked this meeting to the directives of the Minister of Labour and shared his views on social responsibility.

He stated: “The outcome of past social responsibility activities shows that both industry and society have not perceived tangible results.”

Rostami stressed: “Social responsibility that does not directly lead to welfare and satisfaction amounts to a waste of resources. Its impact must also be noticeable within the production unit.”

He identified the upgrading of technical and vocational centers and the establishment of new vocational schools as key demands of the Governor’s Office from the Technical and Vocational Training Organization to enhance satisfaction and productivity. He also thanked the holdings and companies that have been proactive in this area.

During the meeting, CEOs of petrochemical companies based in Bushehr shared their views and experiences, contributing to collective efforts aimed at strengthening skill development and enhancing the level of social responsibility within the industry. This active participation reflects the strong commitment of the region’s industrial sector to align with national policies on sustainable development and the empowerment of the local workforce.