Iraq Launches First Domestic Heavy Truck Assembly Plant in Partnership with Chinese Shacman
Baghdad – Aziz Al-Yahya
In a major milestone for Iraq’s heavy industry and transportation sectors, the Baraq Al-Qima Truck Assembly Plant was officially opened in collaboration with China’s Shacman, marking the first of its kind in the country within the private sector. Located in Karbala, the plant is set to strengthen the local manufacturing sector, create job opportunities, and support the national economy.
Local Production with Global Standards
The Shacman X3000 truck was unveiled as the plant’s first product, alongside plans to ramp up production to 1,400 trucks annually. In its initial phase, the plant aims to assemble 400 trucks per year, with future phases set to introduce six different truck models. Additionally, plans are in place to establish maintenance and sales centers across Iraq’s provinces.
This project is part of a broader industrial initiative led by the Abbasid Holy Shrine to bolster the national economy. The shrine’s management emphasized that the plant’s goal is to diversify Iraq’s economy by reducing reliance on imports and promoting domestic production.
The Baraq Al-Qima Plant represents a significant achievement in Iraq’s transportation and heavy industries, with a particular focus on developing local talent and involving skilled Iraqi professionals, providing a strong boost to the country’s industrial sector.
A Global Vision and Strategic Partnership
In his address during the inauguration, Mr. Jian Ji Kui, Shacman’s Regional Director for the Middle East, highlighted that the collaboration with Iraq reflects the company’s commitment to industrial development and local skills enhancement. He stressed that the partnership with Baraq Al-Qima marks a milestone for the entry of Chinese heavy trucks into the Iraqi market. “This project goes beyond truck assembly; it is a pivotal step toward transitioning from ‘assembled in Iraq’ to ‘made in Iraq’,” Mr. Kui said.
Supporting the Local Economy
Dr. Abbas Al-Dadha Al-Moussawi, a representative of the Abbasid Holy Shrine, emphasized the project’s alignment with the belief in the capability and innovation of the Iraqi workforce. He noted that the plant serves as a unique opportunity to develop Iraq’s road transportation sector, contributing to the achievement of sustainable development goals, particularly by creating new job opportunities for Iraq’s youth.
Focusing on Iraqi Talent
Jaafar Saeed, the managing director of the Baraq Al-Qima Plant, emphasized that the project aims not only to support the local market but also to train and develop local talent. He pointed out that the partnership with Shacman has provided high-level technical and logistical support, making the production of Iraq’s first domestically assembled truck possible.
Expanding Services Nationwide
In addition to production, Engineer Alaa Al-Jubouri, CEO of Baraq Al-Qima, announced plans to open maintenance and sales centers throughout Iraq. He stressed that the plant will ensure the availability of spare parts and after-sales services, which will enhance customer confidence in locally produced products.
Revitalizing the Transport and Heavy Industries Sectors
The launch of the Baraq Al-Qima Plant represents a strategic step toward revitalizing Iraq’s economy through heavy industries. The project is expected to improve the country’s road transport sector and meet local market demands at competitive prices, contributing significantly to Iraq’s economic growth.
