Kurdistan's regional government has given the green light to plans for a massive Gas City aimed at training thousands of oil and gas industry professionals and boosting the economy of the region.

The companies behind the development, privately-owned Dana Gas and its partner Crescent Petroleum, only recently unveiled their plans for the site, which will be the first of several such initiatives to be constructed within the Middle East, South Asia and North Africa.

In addition to up to 20 separate petrochemical and heavy manufacturing plants, the $3 billion Kurdistan Gas City will be home to state-of-the-art oil training facilities and projects aimed at helping small-scale businesses in the region.

Nechirvan Barzani, prime minister of the Kurdistan regional government, noted: "Dana Gas and Crescent Petroleum have made a significant contribution to the Iraqi economy through their work in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq thus far, and the new Kurdistan Gas City will be an extension of the considerable and commendable achievements to date.

"We highly appreciate their dedication towards our region and welcome their efforts to support the Iraqi people and the Iraqi economy."

The ceremony to mark the commencement of work on the site has been scheduled for September 21st, with international oil industry leaders due to attend alongside Iraqi government officials.

Global Education and Training event for Oil and Gas: Refining & Petrochemicals