At 9:30 a.m. on February 1, 2024, Iraqi local time, the Chinese Consulate General in Basra, Iraq, held a New Year symposium. Zhang Chi, the General Manager of ZPEC Iraq Branch, was invited to attend and had in-depth exchanges with the staff of the Consulate General and representatives of Chinese-funded enterprises.

At the symposium, Counselor Ji Gang expressed New Year greetings to Chinese companies and citizens in Iraq. Zhang Chi spoke on behalf of ZPEC, saying that ZPEC Iraq Branch would promptly convey the Consulate’s care and policy interpretation to its employees. He noted that ZPEC also always attaches great importance to the safety of on-site operations and regards the health and safety of employees as a top priority, noting that there had been no major personal safety incidents in Iraq for over ten years. As the Chinese New Year was approaching, ZPEC Iraq Branch had prepared new year gifts for on-site employees and the management would deliver them to the work site to ensure that their employees would have a safe and peaceful Spring Festival.

During the discussion, the Consulate staff introduced the relevant policies and systems of China’s overseas institutions, requiring Chinese citizens working in Iraq to abide by local laws and regulations, properly keep their passports and personal identification documents, and rationally safeguard their legitimate rights and interests in accordance with laws and regulations. The Consulate supports and encourages Chinese citizens working in the Basra area to continuously improve their professional skills, to enhance their overall quality in line with the national "One Belt, One Road" policy, and to contribute to the reconstruction and development of Iraq.

(Ren Yijie, Iraq Branch)