Iranian firms are implementing 31 water and electricity projects worth $1.3 billion in Iraq, director of exports, technical and engineering services development of the ministry of energy Bahram Nezamolmolk said, IRNA reported.
"The two countries agreed on the participation of more Iranian firms in Iraq's hydroelectric projects. It was also agreed that Iranian machinery and equipment instead of European products in hydroelectric and wastewater projects be utilized," said Nezamolmolk while attending a meeting with Iraq's minister of water resources in Tehran.
He stressed that only two small projects worth around $30 million are being carried out by Iraqi contractors inside the country. Iranian companies have so far completed 10 water and electricity projects in the Arab country.
Al-Shammari said Iraq's water industry needs $1.1 billion of investment over the next four years and underlined that he "thoroughly supports" the participation of Iranian firms in Iraqi projects.
Al-Shammari is to visit the 10th Iran International Water and Wastewater Exhibition to be held November 17-20 in Tehran.
Iraq's minister of electricity, Qassim al-Fahdawi, also came to Tehran last week to discuss issues with his Iranian counterpart Hamid Chitchian. It is reported that negotiations centered on increased electricity exports from Iran to Iraq.
