Iraq has announced plans to build an oil refinery in the norther autonomous region of Kurdistan, along with a rail network that will stretch all the way to the southern part the country, using a joint fund with China, it has been announced.

According to a report by Iraqi news network Aliqtisad, these projects are part of a massive construction plan to be executed by Chinese companies, in line with an oil-for-projects agreement signed between Iraq and China in September 2019.

As per the agreement, China will undertake many strategic projects in the country over the coming period. Additionally, Kurdistan will have a share of these projects, the report added, citing a senior official.

These projects include an oil refinery, a rail linking Zakho city in the autonomous region with the southern port city of Basra, an oil pipeline, schools and hospitals.