Baghdad: On Sunday, April 20, 2025, in Baghdad, Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al‑Sudani convened representatives of foreign oil companies alongside senior officials from the Oil Ministry, the Federal Board of Supreme Audit, the General Commission for Taxes, and the Employment Department of the Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs to review measures aimed at maintaining and increasing Iraq’s oil and gas production.
The meeting, according to a statement from the Prime Minister’s Office, centered on approaches to halt gas flaring, streamline work permits and social security processes, and apply innovative technologies to boost facility performance.
Participants discussed the urgent need to remove bureaucratic and logistical barriers slowing project implementation, with Al‑Sudani emphasizing that the government regards its partnerships with international energy firms as strategic. He highlighted plans to optimize the use of associated gas for power generation and to supply key industries such as steel, fertilizer, and petrochemicals.
Special attention was given to a government directive to reassess the licensing rounds first opened fifteen years ago, ensuring they reflect current technological advances and market conditions.
This high-level review reflects Iraq’s broader push to modernize its oil sector, reduce environmental impact from routine flaring, and strengthen the business climate for investors.
By developing infrastructure, enhancing security at oil and gas facilities, and deepening cooperation with global partners, the government aims to maximize resource utilization for the prosperity of the Iraqi people and to achieve its long‑term development objectives.
