The Iraqi oil minister Thamer Abbas Algadban announced that his ministry, as part of its plan to promote the oil industry, seeks to construct a new refinery in central Iraq. In this regard, the ministry is looking for help from oil international companies. 
Algadaban said, according to Alkhaleej newspaper, that some foreign companies have already expressed their readiness to participate in this project. They will discuss the terms and conditions of the expected agreement in later stages.
He added that the projected production capacity of the new proposed refinery is estimated at 30,000 b/d. The production will be directed to the local market and also for exports.
The timetable for establishing the refinery will be two years, the minister assessed.
© 2005 Mena Report (www.menareport.com)
