Basra’s stability a magnet: Japan to boost economic engagement

Shafaq
News/ Japan is looking to scale up its economic
engagement in Iraq’s Basra province, Ambassador Akira Endo confirmed on Monday.

During a
visit to the province, Endo discussed expanding Japanese corporate involvement
in key development efforts with Governor Asaad al-Eidani. “We explored ways to
enhance Japanese firms’ contributions across strategic sectors,” Endo told
Shafaq News.

Discussions
covered major projects including the al-Hartha desalination plant, oil refining
upgrades, power generation, and port expansion, al-Eidani revealed, adding that
Endo viewed Basra’s security stability as “key” for attracting long-term
investment.

Through
the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), Tokyo has funded critical
projects in Basra, including the Basrah Water Supply Improvement Project.