Bassem Mohammed Khudair confirmed on Saturday that the priorities of the Ministry of Oil for the next stage include increasing oil production capacity, ending gas flaring, and developing the country’s oil infrastructure.
Speaking during a press conference after officially taking office at the ministry, Khudair said the government’s strategy focuses on encouraging the participation of foreign companies in Iraq to help expand production capacity, train Iraqi technical and engineering staff, and build stronger infrastructure for the oil sector.
He added that Iraq has all the resources needed to become a leading force in the global energy sector because of its massive oil reserves. He also noted that the government aims to turn all Iraqi governorates into oil-producing regions in order to improve their economic conditions.
Khudair said the Ministry of Oil and all its departments will work to carry out oil sector plans based on integrity and transparency while dealing with companies according to the highest professional standards.
He stressed that the ministry will not tolerate corruption and said there will be no place for unqualified individuals within the sector.
The minister also explained that the ministry will continue implementing government plans aimed at increasing revenues by strengthening the oil sector, solving existing problems, and improving overall performance levels.
