Iraq top target of China’s Belt and Road

Iraq was the top target for China’s Belt and Road infrastructure initiative last year, receiving US$10.5 billion in financing for projects including a heavy oil power plant, a study published said.

Iraq, where the US ended its combat mission last year, has become the third-biggest partner in BRI for energy engagement since 2013, after Pakistan and Russia, the study said.

China and Iraq are cooperating to build the US$5 billion Al-Khairat heavy oil power plant in Karbalah Province in Iraq and China’s Sinopec Corp has won the contract to develop Iraq’s Mansuriya gas field near the Iranian border. The two countries are also cooperating on an airport, solar and other projects.