Chinese energy companies are playing a prominent role at Iraq’s second International Exhibition and Conference for Oil Projects and Licensing Tours, which began on Monday in Baghdad.
The four-day event aims to foster collaboration between international and Iraqi firms on key projects across the oil, gas, refining, and distribution sectors, according to Deputy Oil Minister Bassim Mohammed Khudair.
China National Petroleum Corporation (CNPC), a major player in Iraq’s energy sector, is actively participating. Chen Xinrong, CNPC’s West Asia president, highlighted the company’s decade-long partnership with Iraq and its commitment to sustainable energy development.
Zhenhua Oil’s subsidiary, EBS Petroleum Company, is also represented at the conference. Managing director Ma Cheng stressed Zhenhua’s early involvement in Iraq’s oil and gas exploration, showcasing Chinese expertise and creating local jobs.
Ren Yonglin, general manager of China Oilfield Services Limited (COSL) Middle East, noted that COSL is introducing advanced technologies to strengthen Iraq’s energy sector within the Belt and Road Initiative framework.
Iraq’s economy relies heavily on oil, with the sector accounting for 99 percent of exports, 85 percent of government revenue, and 42 percent of GDP, according to the World Bank’s 2022 report.
Chinese firms are seizing opportunities to deepen cooperation in Iraq’s expanding energy market, reinforcing ties between the two countries.
