Iraq, Saudi Arabia sign agreement to build major silica-based industrial complex in Anbar

BAGHDAD — Iraq and Saudi Arabia signed an industrial agreement Tuesday to establish the largest integrated silica-based industrial complex in Iraq’s Anbar governorate, officials said.

In a statement, the Iraqi Ministry of Industry and Minerals said, “In a strategic step aimed at enhancing industrial cooperation between Iraq and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Minister of Industry and Minerals Professor Engineer Khalid Battal Al-Najm oversaw today the signing of a historic cooperation agreement between the State Company for Glass and Refractories and Ajyal Saudi Company.”

The statement added that the project will “create the largest integrated industrial complex jointly relying on silica as a key raw material in executing a range of future industrial projects,” including flat glass, bottles and jars, ceramic sanitary ware, ceramic floor and wall tiles, glass electrical insulators, and sodium silicate, among others.

The ministry said the agreement marks an important step toward strengthening the strategic partnership between the two countries in the industrial sector and will have “a strong positive impact on the robust economic relations between Iraq and Saudi Arabia.”

The complex will use silica as a primary element in the production of advanced industrial goods and is expected to boost the national economy and increase industrial output, contributing to building a strong industrial base, creating job opportunities, and promoting economic sustainability.

Minister Khalid Battal Al-Najm said the project aligns with the ministry’s vision to strengthen Iraq’s industrial capacity. He noted that “this agreement represents a major turning point in industrial cooperation between Iraq and Saudi Arabia and will be a step toward diversifying income sources and developing national industries by utilizing local raw materials.”