At least half the workforce in the upcoming car projects will be Iraqi nationals, a government spokesman said

Iraq has signed agreements with German, Chinese and Brazilian carmakers to start production in the country.

The initiative, aligned with the government’s “Made in Iraq” strategy, aims to create local employment and produce affordable, environmentally friendly vehicles, trade ministry spokesman Mohammed Hanoun told the state-run Iraq News Agency.

While the company names were not disclosed, memoranda of understanding and cooperation agreements have been signed with global automakers to set up assembly plants under industrial and economic partnerships.

Sites have been allocated in southern Baghdad and other regions, with work awaiting the completion of technical and regulatory procedures, he said.

At least half the workforce in these projects will be Iraqi nationals, Hanoun said.

The “Made in Iraq” vehicles will be powered by gas, not gasoline, he said. The cars will target lower-income citizens, offering instalment payments at low interest rates.