A new well in the Wassit province is being drilled by a Chinese company, at a time when the Iraqi government is working to develop all levels of its oil industry, including training, exploration and production.

The Aswat al-Iraq news agency confirmed that the new well is being drilled, citing an unnamed official source.

"Today, the company began the drilling of its second well in the province," the source said.

Currently, a number of international oil majors are reportedly considering bids for new contracts across Iraq - with each promising to help the development of the country's oil industry.

Iraq is home to some of the largest untapped oil reserves in the world - development of these resources is hoped to increase the country's overall output.

To win the contracts for such development, international oil companies may be expected to undertake a number of investment projects to help ongoing training and resource development.

Written by Neil Burton.

Global Education and Training event: Getenergy for Iraq