Iraq Cabinet approves oil export plan and reviews power investment

BAGHDAD, Iraq — Iraq’s Council of Ministers met in Baghdad and ordered a re-evaluation of general directors in state institutions, while Prime Minister Ali Falah El Zeydi asked for a fresh review of investment opportunities in the electricity sector. The government said it was adopting a competition-based approach for private-sector companies without exceptions. It added that if exemptions are granted, the relevant ministry will be responsible for the contract. The cabinet also approved a plan to increase oil exports, setting a target of raising daily pipeline shipments from 220,000 barrels to 770,000 barrels and tanker shipments to neighboring countries from 420,000 barrels. In the same meeting, ministers approved the creation of a joint business council between Iraq and Uzbekistan to expand economic, trade, scientific and technical cooperation. The cabinet also authorized several ministries to negotiate agreements and took a number of administrative decisions related to the service sector.