BAGHDAD, May 22 (Reuters) - Iraq's oil ministry on Tuesdayannounced a development contract would be signed with China'sstate-run Zhenhua Oil for the southern portion of the EastBaghdad oilfield.

"The ministry will finalise the contract on Wednesday,"spokesman Assem Jihad said.

(Reporting by Raya Jalabi; editing by Jason Neely) ((Raya.Jalabi@thomsonreuters.com;))