Iraqi oil project taps Chinese expertise

Iraq has experienced a mutually beneficial oil and gas partnership with China, and anticipates a fresh beginning following China National Petroleum Corporation, or CNPC, taking over from ExxonMobil as the lead contractor for the West Qurna 1 oilfield, officials have said.

On New Year's Day, nearly 200 guests attended a groundbreaking ceremony of the new operation headquarters of the project in Basra, Iraq's second-largest city and most important port hub.

Hayan Abdul-Ghani, Iraq's deputy prime minister for energy affairs and oil minister, said via video that the field's production has now reached 550,000 barrels a day. He lauded the Chinese company for providing sufficient job opportunities and services to local communities.