NIGC Managing Director, Reza Kasaeizadeh

The National Iranian Gas Company (NIGC) has unveiled ambitious new privatization plans at the International Energy Arena in Istanbul.

The plans are aimed at privatizing Iran's natural gas industry and opening up its private companies to foreign private investment, NIGC Managing Director, Seyyed Reza Kassaeizadeh, said during the energy conference.

Iran's ambitious infrastructure projects were immediately criticized by the US energy diplomat at the US Embassy in Ankara, Rebecca H. Neff. Neff said despite US policy to foster economic growth the US is against doing business as usual with Iran because of its nuclear power activities.

She suggested energy development in the region must continue without Iran's involvement until the country surrenders its nuclear plannned activities.

PRESSTV, Iran, May 31, 2008