On September 8^th at 10:00 a.m. Iraq local time, the opening ceremony of ZPEC Babylon Company was held at the Millennium Hotel in Basra. This officially marked ZPEC Equipment’s new journey of deeply cultivating the equipment market in Iraq, which will help promote the localization of equipment manufacturing in the country.

Jin Yifeng, the Acting Consul General of the Chinese Consulate General in Basra, Iraq, Mr. Hassan Shaddad Fares, Member of the Basra Provincial Council, Mr. Falah Hamid Al-Baydani, Vice Chairman of the Basra Chamber of Commerce, as well as representatives from IDC, BOC, Halliburton, Schlumberger, Tsingshan Group, and other companies attended to offer their congratulations.

Acting Consul General Jin Yifeng pointed out that the Consulate General in Iraq strongly supports Chinese-funded enterprises in investing in Iraq. In recent years, more and more Chinese-funded enterprises have participated in Iraq's construction, bringing about rapid changes to Iraq's environment and further deepening the China-Iraq friendship. He noted that the business and security environments in Iraq continue to improve and that the Consulate would do its utmost to safeguard Chinese-funded enterprises, providing as much policy support and guidance as possible. He believes that the diligence and wisdom of the Chinese people will help build Iraq into a more beautiful and prosperous country.

On behalf of the guests, Mr. Hassan Shaddad Fares delivered a speech, congratulating the establishment of ZPEC Babylon Company. He said, "Basra is a major oil-producing province in Iraq. Oil enterprises like ZPEC have made contributions to the construction of Basra. Thank you! It is hoped that more and more Chinese-funded enterprises will participate in the construction of Iraq and Basra, and the government will, as always, provide support and a safe business environment."

Li Jing, the Deputy General Manager of ZPEC Equipment Group, thanked the Iraqi government, the Chinese Embassy and Consulates in Iraq, and Chinese and foreign partners for their strong support. He shared with the guests the development history of the ZPEC Equipment brand, highlighted the scientific research achievements of ZPEC Equipment since this year, and demonstrated the application and prospects of automated drilling rigs and equipment. He stated that Iraq is the main battlefield for ZPEC's current and future development. The Babylon Company will deeply cultivate the Iraqi market in accordance with the ZPEC's strategic deployment, provide integrated support for ZPEC's oilfield and drilling operations, and work with various sectors to continue writing new glories for ZPEC Equipment.

Li Xu, the Deputy General Manager of ZPEC Drilling Company and General Manager of ZPEC Iraq Branch, also delivered a speech at the opening ceremony. He introduced the encouraging achievements made by ZPEC in drilling, oil services, exploration and development, and other fields since entering the Iraqi market in 2011. He emphasized that the company will further strengthen its integrated advantages, integrate resources, gather synergy, and work hand-in-hand with customers to achieve win-win results in the future with the support of the Iraqi government and the Embassies and Consulates.

Reporters from many media outlets including the Iraqi News Agency, Iraq Oriental TV, Iraqi National Satellite TV Channel, and Xinhua News Agency's Iraq Branch covered the event. (Text/Photos by Lin Peng from the Iraq Branch)