The US Agency for International Development (USAID) has developed a new IT training module at the Daura refinery in Iraq to improve managerial skills in the country's oil and gas industry.

Inaugurated yesterday (June 17th), the new course has been funded by the USAID National Capacity Development programme - also known as Tatweer - and is also supported by Midland Refineries.

Building on the progress made with the New Project Manager training module, which more than 100 engineers have completed since November 2008, USAID has now launched a Training of Trainers module to help workers retain and share skills more widely.

"The new IT training centre will increase effectiveness of the refinery by integrating it into the global economic system," said USAID country director Christopher D Crowley.

Earlier this month, USAID also announced its support of a new microfinance initiative to support small and medium-sized companies in Iraq, of which there are around 700,000.

Global Education and Training event: Getenergy for Iraq