TEHRAN, Dec. 23 (Shana) - A board member of the Iranian Oil, Gas, Petrochemical Products Exporters� Association (OPEX) is upbeat over Iran Petroleum Contracts (IPC) saying the new contract models are outlined taking into account serving the national interests.

�They entail numerous benefits for both Iranian and foreign firms and many companies overseas have welcomed them,� Hamid Hosseini told Shana on Wednesday.

Commenting on Tuesday�s meeting between Petroleum Minister Bijan Zangeneh and members of the Tehran Chamber of Commerce, he said, �Given the restraints due to plummeting global oil prices, the ministry�s performance is positive and shows that it has a planned schedule.�

�Despite of the falling oil prices in the last two years, the ministry has played a major role in the country�s economic development,� he added.

The oil union member also said that the fall in crude oil prices can lead to the integration of public and private sectors. �When government�s incomes reduce, it can undoubtedly result in closer ties between government and the private sector and enhanced cooperation.�

By SHANA