Zhong Guo Hua Gong Bao·2025-08-19 03:14Group 1 - Iraq announced the resumption of the "oil-for-infrastructure" program in August 2025, aiming to exchange oil exports for Chinese investments in infrastructure, marking a significant step in economic reconstruction and providing market opportunities for Chinese companies [1] - Chinese oil companies, including China National Petroleum Corporation (CNPC), Sinopec, and CNOOC, are actively involved in Iraq's oil sector, showcasing a multi-layered and collaborative approach [1] - Iraq's oil production is projected to increase from approximately 4 million barrels per day to over 6 million barrels per day by 2029, driven by the need to meet domestic energy demands and boost export revenues [3] Group 2 - Iraq is the second-largest oil producer in OPEC, with 96% of its fiscal revenue dependent on oil exports, generating $88.6 billion from 1.23 billion barrels of oil exported in 2023 [3] - The average extraction cost of Iraqi crude oil is between $1 to $2 per barrel, providing a significant cost advantage in the global energy market [2] - In the first half of 2025, Iraq remained China's fourth-largest oil supplier, highlighting the close energy ties between the two countries [4] Group 3 - In the 2024 oil and gas block bidding, seven Chinese companies, including CNOOC and Sinopec, secured 10 blocks, accounting for over one-third of the total, indicating China's leading position in Iraq's oil and gas market [4] - Chinese companies are also active in Iraq's infrastructure sector, with a recent contract awarded for a seawater pipeline project valued at $2.524 billion, with a contract duration of 54 months [4] - The cooperation in the energy sector not only provides stable energy supplies for China but also brings much-needed investment and technology to Iraq, supporting its economic development [4]