Petrochemicals China to build new industrial city in Iraq By Pramod Kumar April 21, 2025, 9:48 AM IRNA Sepco will build four petrochemical plants within the Karbala Industrial City China will build an industrial city in the Karbala governorate to develop Iraq’s petrochemical sector, the official Iraq News Agency reported. Sepco Electric Power Construction Corporation, a subsidiary of state-run PowerChina, signed an agreement with Iraq’s ministry of industry and minerals to build four petrochemical plants within the Karbala Industrial City, according to Iraqi News, an online newspaper. The Chinese company will also develop essential infrastructure and provide maintenance for the operational units. No financial details were announced. The move is part of Iraq’s plan to attract international investment and create jobs in the industrial sector. In May last year, AGBI columnist Robin Mills said that in an auction of oil and gas blocks Chinese companies won 10 bids and a local group won three. Eight went unawarded. No other oil company, Western or otherwise, received anything. Iraq plans to build one million houses in two years Final kink obstructs reopening of Iraq-Turkey pipeline Design for new city in Iraq approved In March Iraq officially endorsed an agreement with UK energy major BP to develop four oilfields in the northern Kurdish Kirkuk region. The cabinet gave its final approval to the multi-billion-dollar contract at a meeting headed by Prime Minister Mohammed Al-Sudani, the official news agency said. Register now: It’s easy and free AGBI registered members can access even more of our unique analysis and perspective on business and economics in the Middle East. Why sign uP Exclusive weekly email from our editor-in-chief Personalised weekly emails for your preferred industry sectors Read and download our insight packed white papers Access to our mobile app Prioritised access to live events Register for free Already registered? Sign in I’ll register later
