$1.3B plant reopens: Iraq fertilizes economy

Shafaq News/ Iraq has reopened the Abi Al-Khasib Nitrogen Fertilizer Plant in Basra to increase domestic supply and support the agricultural sector, Industry Minister Khaled Battal Al-Najm announced on Sunday.

The $1.3 billion facility will use modern production technologies to meet market needs and reduce import dependency, Al-Najm stated during the inauguration ceremony. “The project aligns with Basra’s role as Iraq’s industrial hub and reflects the ministry’s strategy to expand private sector involvement,” he confirmed.

Al-Najm also underscored Basra’s contribution to the national economy, generating over 90% of Iraq’s federal budget, saying that industrial investment would enhance employment and local development.

The relaunch follows the ministry’s signing of two investment deals with China’s Shang Shin, including a $2 billion industrial city project in Basra.