Iraq has launched five large-scale food industry projects in Karbala with investments totaling $2 billion. These initiatives, led by Etihad Food Industries, aim to boost meat, dairy, and fish production for the domestic market.
Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani attended the inauguration and highlighted the importance of strengthening Iraq’s food industry. He said the private sector must play a bigger role in meeting market needs. Moreover, he stressed that national development requires strong financial capacity and advanced technical skills.
Al-Sudani called investment in Iraq a patriotic choice that supports economic stability. He urged local authorities to create a favorable investment climate. Furthermore, he emphasized that Karbala’s transformation into a major global destination demands more industrial zones and projects that leverage local resources.
The Prime Minister also underlined the value of modern technology in increasing productivity and ensuring quality. He reaffirmed the government’s support for local food production to strengthen food safety and reduce reliance on imports. This focus aims to ensure greater self-sufficiency for the country.
The new projects include a dairy factory with a daily capacity of 3,000 tonnes, making it one of the largest in the world. It features advanced European production lines to ensure high efficiency and product quality. Additionally, a meat processing facility with five slaughterhouses will process 1,500 cattle daily to meet rising demand.
A dairy cattle farm will house 195,000 cows, producing around 4 million litres of milk each day. Alongside it, a beef cattle farm will supply over 100,000 calves annually to strengthen the meat supply chain. Furthermore, a large fish farming project will deliver 300 tonnes of fresh fish daily to local markets.
These investments mark a significant step in advancing Iraq’s food industry. They will not only create jobs but also improve food availability and quality nationwide. By combining advanced technology with local expertise, Iraq is positioning itself as a strong regional food producer.
In conclusion, the government’s commitment to boosting the food industry reflects its broader strategy to diversify the economy. With the private sector’s active participation, Iraq aims to achieve long-term growth and sustainable development.
