In his speech at CWC’s Iraq Petroleum conference in London this week, Iraqi Oil Minister Thamir Ghadhban outlined his ambitious aims: Iraq wants to end energy imports; establish three export routes (Basra, Aqaba via Jordan, and a rehabilitated northern line to Turkey); raise southern export capacity to 6.5mn b/d; end gas flaring by 2022; and overhaul the refining sector.
But as Mr Ghadhban’s efforts shift from strategic vision to implementation, the importance of contract awards and execution take center stage – and Iraq’s record on these matters is spotty. (CONTINUED - 916 WORDS)
