Sanandaj, Kurdestan Prov, Aug 17, IRNA -- President Mohammad Khatami on Tuesday launched construction operations on a petrochemical complex in the city of Sanandaj in Iran's western province of Kurdestan.

photo: ISNA

The complex, with an expected annual production capacity of 300,000 tons of polyethylene, will rise on a 143-hectare piece of land, 8 kms south of the provincial capital.

It has a budget of 300 million dollars and is expected to be completed in four years. It is also expected to provide jobs to some 200 locals.

The final product of the complex will not only meet domestic need but also those of foreign countries, particularly Turkey and Iraq.

Polyethylene is used in the agriculture and packaging industries and also in the production of plastic dishes and parts, covers for cables and home appliances.

President Mohammad Khatami arrived in this western province on Tuesday to inaugurate this polyethylene project as well as several other newly completed industrial projects.

Minister of Mines and Industries Es'haq Jahangiri and his deputy, Mohammad Reza Nematzadeh, are accompanying President Khatami in this one-day visit.

Some newly completed industrial and sports projects will also be inaugurated by the president.

The president will also launch construction operations on the Sanandaj Steel Mill project and a petrochemical project and inaugurate a newly established tractor manufacturing factory in the provincial capital.

He is also scheduled to attend the inaugural ceremony for the newly constructed 15,000-capacity Sanandaj stadium.

His agenda also covers meetings with officials and outstanding residents of the province and lending his presence to a session of the provincial administrative council.

The trip is Khatami's second to the province since he was elected president seven years ago.

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