Steel pipe manufacturer, Interpipe, is installing a local ground support team in Basra, Iraq, following approval from South Oil Company (SOC)
The announcement sees Interpipe appoint a new Iraq country manager with immediate effect based in Basra.
Following several meetings in Iraq with SOC, a major operational arm of the Iraqi national oil company (INOC), and a lengthy audit of its steel mill in Ukraine, Interpipe's approval means that it is now allowed to participate in local tenders.
The meetings in Iraq included a tour of the oil fields, highlighting the increasing need to improve the transportation and stocking of pipes from Iraq's ports.
"The development of Interpipe in Iraq is part of our overall growth strategy across the wider Middle East and Africa region," said Duncan Pell, regional director for MENA & Asia, Interpipe ME.
"Whilst at the World Economic Forum in Jordan, it was clear that the potential of Iraq will be realised over the next few years and Interpipe aim to contribute significantly to driving the Iraqi infrastructure, economy and development."
Andrey Burtsev, regional director, market development, Interpipe ME said: "The approval from South Oil signifies Interpipe’s commitment to Iraq, which has the potential to reclaim its historical position as one of the most prosperous economies in the Middle East.
"With the National Development Plan well under way, we expect to see early signs of success in Iraq from our efforts in the latter half of 2013."
Interpipe has also appointed a local partner in Basra, Al Nukhba Oil Field Services, to provide company facilities and on-the-ground security.
