Iraq’s Minister of Industry and Minerals Khaled Battal Al-Najm chairs a meeting of the Board of Industrial Cities in Baghdad.
Iraq approves three new industrial cities, including first pharmaceutical hub in Babil
BAGHDAD — Iraq’s Ministry of Industry on Sunday approved plans for three new specialized industrial cities, including the country’s first dedicated pharmaceutical hub, as part of efforts to expand domestic production and attract private investment.
Ministry spokesperson Doha al-Jubouri said the decision was made during the second session of the Board of Directors of the Industrial Cities Authority, chaired by Industry Minister Khaled Battal al-Najm.
The projects include the creation of a 708-dunam pharmaceutical industrial city in Babil, the first of its kind in Iraq; the 2,000-dunam Babel Gate Industrial City, also in Babil, focused on food, light and medium industries; and Akkad Industrial City in Rashidiya, Baghdad, covering 125 dunams, described as Iraq’s first privately owned industrial city targeting emerging sectors.
Al-Jubouri said the approvals came after presentations and discussions on land allocation, industry focus, cost estimates, financing models and infrastructure plans, along with formal clearance from relevant authorities.
She added that the minister urged greater participation from the private sector in establishing and developing ventures within the cities, saying their involvement would create jobs and support Iraq’s broader industrial revival.