Iraq to promote cooperation with UAE in mining sector
The Crown Prince of Fujairah, Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamad Al Sharqi, the Iraqi Minister of Industry and Minerals, Khaled Battal Al-Najm, and Emirati officials during their participation in the 8th version of the Fujairah International Mining Forum. Photo: WAM
Baghdad (IraqiNews.com) – The Iraqi Minister of Industry and Minerals, Khaled Battal Al-Najm, confirmed Iraq’s eagerness to promote cooperation with the UAE in the mining sector.
During his participation in the 8th version of the Fujairah International Mining Forum, Al-Najm stated that cooperation is ongoing between the UAE and Iraq, stressing his country’s desire to enhance collaboration with the UAE in the mining sector, according to the Emirates News Agency (WAM).
The Iraqi minister indicated that the mining sector in Iraq represents great importance for Arab countries, explaining that the growing effects of climate change will force many countries to focus on the mining sector to take advantage of resources and reduce reliance on oil.
Al-Najm elaborated that his country is looking forward to optimally exploiting mineral resources in the near future, as the mining sector will further contribute to Iraq’s gross domestic product (GDP) in the next five years.
“We are working on increasing the contribution of the mining sector to Iraq’s GDP to reach 10 percent. This will support relevant industries and provide more job opportunities,” the Iraqi Industry Minister said.
Al-Najm also clarified that Iraq aims to invest in the sulfur, phosphate, silica and cement industries, adding that Iraq has the largest sulfur reserve and the second largest phosphate reserve in the world, estimated at 10 billion tons, in addition to other minerals.