Baghdad: PM Ali Al-Zaidi met on Monday at his residence in the French capital, Paris, the heads and representatives of major French companies to discuss opportunities for their participation and expanded presence in Iraq. During the meeting, PM Al-Zaidi highlighted the importance of the historic relations between the two countries.

According to Iraqi News Agency, Al-Zaidi emphasized that “Iraq views France as a trusted partner within the framework of their enduring friendship and underscores Iraq’s need for strategic partners.” The Prime Minister outlined the broad range of investment opportunities available in the fields of the economy, energy, industry, infrastructure, pharmaceuticals, railways, and other sectors. He affirmed that “the government will provide all necessary support and facilitation and ensure a favorable investment environment,” welcoming visits by French companies interested in investing in Iraq.

Al-Zaidi highlighted “the strategic Development Road Project and its significance at the global level as a vital corridor for strengthening economic connectivity and facilitating the flow of supply chains.” During the meeting, the Prime Minister also announced that he and French President Emmanuel Macron had agreed to make preparations for convening a Baghdad-Paris Conference in the Iraqi capital.

“Iraq is making efforts to increase its crude oil production capacity from 4.8 million barrels per day to 10 million barrels per day, accompanied by projects to produce, extract, and utilize associated gas,” he affirmed. He also highlighted “other mineral resources available for investment and expanded extraction, including sulfur, phosphate, silica, and petrochemicals, in addition to infrastructure projects.”