China is a major importer of Iraqi oil. (Photo : Reuters)
Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi told China Daily in his recent visit that his country is tapping leading Chinese firms for a "huge expansion" of its railway network.
Stressing the importance of railways in Iraq, al-Abadi said that his country is planning to expand its current 2,000-km network to 5,000 km.
According to the Iraqi leader, Chinese firms "are very interested" in the said venture. He also said that as the nation beefs up economic growth, the government is in dire need to accomplish more infrastructure projects.
Earlier this week, he met with the business leaders of at least 60 Chinese companies involved in the insurance, telecommunications and infrastructure industries.
"They bring me their technology. . . . I think they can expand the network in Iraq," he said, also sharing that the railway can be used both "for the people and for goods."
Commenting on China's Belt and Road initiative, the prime minister said that his country can "act as a bridge between Asia and Europe."
Once the railway is completed, Iraq can "have the network for the Silk Road," he said.
In an interview, al-Abadi, who took office in September last year, also shared he is optimistic in increasing Iraq's crude oil exports to China, "hoping to double oil exports in the coming years."
Iraq and China have also agreed to boost their ties to a strategic partnership, a joint statement from al-Abadi and Chinese President Xi Jinping said.
For its part, China, a major importer of Iraq's oil, also stated its vision to assist the country in its production expansion.
"It will work for us because we want to sell our oil, after all. And it will work for us because China can provide guarantees . . . for infrastructure, other areas and investment," al-Abadi said.
Last year, China imported over 28 million metric tons of crude oil.
