France opens new consulate in southern Iraq

Oct 7, 2010, 14:32 GMT

Baghdad - The French Ambassador in Iraq Boris Bouillon announced on Thursday the opening of a consulate in the southern city of al-Naseriyah which is hoped to encourage French investment in Iraq.

France has appointed Adel el-Kenzawy, a businessman of French-Iraqi nationality, as its consul in al-Naseriyah, Boillon told the German Press Agency dpa.

The new consulate is step towards increasing trade and cultural exchange between the two countries and will 'encourage investment, particularly in Iraq's stable southern territory,' Boillon said.

'The consulate will have two sections, one dedicated to investment and the other to cultural exchanges,' al-Kenzawy said.

The consulate will invite French companies to invest in and execute projects under its supervision, he said.

French companies are especially keen to enter the oil market in southern Iraq, Boillon said.

French oil company Total was among several foreign companies to recieve a second round of licenses from the Iraqi government to develop the al-Hilfaya oil field in Amarra.

In addition, a French company recently signed an agreement with the al-Naseriyah governor to build a hanging bridge in the city, al-Kenzawy.

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