Authorities in Kurdistan, the semi-autonomous oil-rich province in northern Iraq, have set out an ambitious crude oil expansion plan that will see production boosted to one million barrels a day over the next five years.

Petroleum Economist reports that the Kurdish Regional Government is moving closer to a landmark deal with the central authorities in Baghdad that will end disputes over oilfield territory rights, which have to date marred expansion and production of the state's natural resources.

A report from the authorities last month claimed that it was "ready to immediately restart the process of oil exports from the Kurdish fields at a rate of no less than 100,000 barrels per day".

The Iraqi oil ministry has also recently completed a landmark expansion campaign involving the licensing of ten fields to international oil companies.

Firms operating in the country will be required to commit substantial funds to the redevelopment of its dilapidated oil and gas industry, as well as providing funding for training and development programmes to ensure local people benefit from their presence.

Oil and Gas Directory: Training and Development