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International Speakers to Discuss Iraqi Energy Market

Advertising Feature Internationally acclaimed experts from across the oil and gas sector will be addressing the challenges and opportunities in the Iraqi market, at the upcoming Basra Oil & Gas International Exhibition & Conference. Speakers from Weatherford, Gulf Energy, South Oil Company (SOC) and Penspen will put forward their views on technology, health & safety, […]

Iraq - There Has Been Progress

By John Lee. A couple of weeks ago, the former British Prime Minister Tony Blair addressed the Iraq Britain Business Council’s 4th London Conference on the theme: “Iraq: The Road To Success?” Mr Blair will always be associated with Iraq, positively or negatively, depending on ones view, and he has a keen understanding of the […]

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Iraq to Invest up to $150bn to Increase Oil Output

By John  Lee. Oil Minister Abdul Kareem Luaiby [Luaibi, Elaibi] (pictured) has told the Abu Dhabi International Petroleum Exhibition and Conference that Iraq could spend up to $150 billion on projects to expand its crude production capacity. The Wall Street Journal quotes the Minister as saying: "Iraq can reach 9 million barrels per day in […]

Abu Dhabi's TAQA to Buy Atrush Block?

By John  Lee. The Abu Dhabi National Energy Company (TAQA) is said to be in advanced talks to buy a stake in the Atrush Block in Iraqi Kurdistan. The Atrush Block is operated by the joint-venture company General Exploration Partners (GEP) which holds an 80 percent working interest in the Block. Aspect Holdings, LLC through […]

Iraq's Food Rationing Controversy

By John  Lee. Iraqis are divided over plans to reform the country's largest social welfare programme. Iraq’s cabinet decided last week to remove the food rationing scheme in favour of a direct cash transfer to citizens, which would mean that from the start of March next year, all Iraqis would be entitled to a monthly […]

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Baghdad Uni Signs Agreement with Microsoft

By John  Lee. The University of Baghdad has signed a joint cooperation agreement with Microsoft, under which the American technology giant will provide supplies for the application of scientific quality and reliability standards at the university. The deal includes the provision of 1000 copies of Windows 7 for use by university departments, colleges and institutes […]

Wood Group Wins Iraq Contract

By John Lee. Wood Group PSN (WGPSN) has been awarded a contract by DNO Middle East to provide engineering and project support services to the Tawke field, in the Kurdistan region of Iraq. The contract marks WGPSN’s expansion into Iraq. The energy services company will deliver engineering studies, detailed design, technical and operations support to […]

Crescent Petroleum Gears Up for Expansion in Iraq

By John Lee. Majid Jafar (pictured), the chief executive of UAE-based Crescent Petroleum, has said the company is gearing up for expansion in the Iraqi oil and gas sector. Speaking to Reuters on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum (WEF) in Dubai, he said: "We are looking at entering Libya with the right opportunity. […]

Afren Falls on Interim Management Statement

By John Lee. Shares in Afren closed down 1.8 percent on Tuesday following the company's interim management statement. Afren gave the following update on its operations in Iraqi Kurdistan: Barda Rash Having commenced an extensive testing programme at the BR-1 well in July 2012 and establishing oil rates in excess of 6,000 bopd of 28° […]

PM Nechirvan Barzani Visits Iran

By John Lee. Prime Minister Nechirvan Barzani and a delegation of senior officials from the Kurdistan Region concluded a two-day visit to the Islamic Republic of Iran yesterday to promote greater cooperation in economic and trade relations. With the volume of trade between the Kurdistan Region and Iran estimated to be around $8 billion this […]

Iranian VP Leads Delegation to Erbil Economic Forum

By John Lee. Iran’s Vice President for International Affairs, Ali Saeedlou, led a high level political and economic delegation representing about one hundred Iranian companies to the Kurdistan Region to participate in a high profile business conference today. The Iranian – Kurdistan Region Economic Forum follows a visit to Iran by Prime Minister Nechirvan Barzani […]