03 March 2014
BAGHDAD: The first Iraqi automobile factory was opened in Al-Iskandariya today by deputy premier for energy affairs Hussein Shahristani.

He expressed hopes that this factory will be the first in a series, including agricultural tractors, textiles and pharmaceutical industries.

Chinese Lifan automobile industries announced, on 19 February, 2014, the allocation of $20 million to establish a joint factory with Iraq.

It is expected that the capacity of this factory will reach to 10.000 cars annually.

Since August, 2011, Iraq was planning to industrialize 100% Iraqi vehicles.

According to information available, it is expected that such projects will provide 19.000 work opportunities, either directly or indirectly.

The opening ceremony was attended by Iraqi Industry minister Ahmed al-Karbouli and representatives from the Swedish and Chinese embassies in Baghdad.

© Aswat Aliraq 2014