Iraq to Establish Fixed Platform for Imported Gas at Grand Faw Port

Sudani chairs the meeting held to follow up on the implementation of the Ministry of Oil projects. (INA)
Sudani chairs the meeting held to follow up on the implementation of the Ministry of Oil projects. (INA)
TT

Iraq to Establish Fixed Platform for Imported Gas at Grand Faw Port

Sudani chairs the meeting held to follow up on the implementation of the Ministry of Oil projects. (INA)
Sudani chairs the meeting held to follow up on the implementation of the Ministry of Oil projects. (INA)

Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammad Shia Al-Sudani approved Wednesday the establishment of a fixed platform for imported gas at the Grand Faw Port.
This gas platform marks a significant milestone in the country's oil and gas sector, representing the first of its kind.
The Prime Minister's Office (PMO) issued a statement confirming the approval of the specialized committee's recommendations during a meeting chaired by Al-Sudani.
The meeting focused on outlining the forthcoming steps to operationalize the fixed platform.
Al-Sudani underscored that the successful initiation of this vital project was made possible by the substantial progress achieved in the Grand Faw Port project.
This strategic endeavor aligns with the government's commitment to address challenges related to gas supplies, eliminate hurdles in gas imports, and transition towards reliance on gas sourced from Iraqi fields.
According to the statement, the endorsed recommendations put forth by the committee include the engagement of a reputable international consulting firm to oversee both the technical and commercial aspects of the project.
Furthermore, it intends to issue invitations for the establishment of a fixed platform dedicated to importing liquefied gas within the expansive Al-Faw port along with the infrastructure, and integrating it into the existing pipeline network.
This move is aimed at ensuring a consistent gas supply from diverse sources and bridging the gap in electricity station operations.



China Seeks to Bolster Ports and Aviation Hubs in Western Regions

The city skyline is reflected in a pool left on the dry riverbed of the receding Jialing river, a tributary of the Yangtze, that is approaching record-low water levels during a regional drought in Chongqing, China, August 20, 2022.  (Reuters)
The city skyline is reflected in a pool left on the dry riverbed of the receding Jialing river, a tributary of the Yangtze, that is approaching record-low water levels during a regional drought in Chongqing, China, August 20, 2022. (Reuters)
TT

China Seeks to Bolster Ports and Aviation Hubs in Western Regions

The city skyline is reflected in a pool left on the dry riverbed of the receding Jialing river, a tributary of the Yangtze, that is approaching record-low water levels during a regional drought in Chongqing, China, August 20, 2022.  (Reuters)
The city skyline is reflected in a pool left on the dry riverbed of the receding Jialing river, a tributary of the Yangtze, that is approaching record-low water levels during a regional drought in Chongqing, China, August 20, 2022. (Reuters)

China said on Sunday it would launch 15 measures to bolster the development of its western provinces with the construction of logistical infrastructure such as ports and aviation hubs.

The General Administration of Customs said the measures would enhance the integration of rail, air, river and sea links in China's west, state media reported.

The measures are to include enhancing international aviation hubs in cities including Chengdu, Chongqing, Kunming, Xi'an and Urumqi, while developing comprehensive bonded zones, and integrating these with ports and other transport links.

A number of ports would also be built and expanded.

China has long sought to bolster the economic heft of its western regions, which have markedly lagged coastal provinces.

China's western regions comprise around two-thirds of the country's land area and include regions such as Sichuan, Chongqing, Yunnan, Xinjiang and Tibet.

China's Politburo last year called for a "new urbanization" of western China to revitalize rural areas, expand poverty alleviation efforts and strengthen energy resources. Efforts have also been made to increase linkages to Europe and South Asia through trade corridors including rail freight routes.