Iraq launches Mohannad Ali Abdullah Infant Formula Factory to boost domestic supply

IRAQ – Iraq has commenced construction on a new infant formula manufacturing facility, as part of efforts to strengthen the country’s food and pharmaceutical industries.

The Mohannad Ali Abdullah Infant Formula Factory, currently under construction by Qatari firm Magnum, will produce infant formula for Turkish company Kulalac, the maker of the Bebevit brand.

The project represents a significant private-sector investment, with an initial production capacity of 9 million packs per year.

Plans are already in place to expand output to meet domestic demand and reduce reliance on imports.

Officials say the factory will play a vital role in addressing nutritional needs, particularly as children under the age of two account for an estimated 5–6 percent of Iraq’s population.

Prime Minister Mohammed Shia’ Al-Sudani attended the launch event, underscoring the government’s commitment to industrial development across the pharmaceutical, food, and construction sectors.

He highlighted the importance of private sector partnerships, credit facilities for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), and state-backed guarantees under the federal budget framework.

Government figures show rapid growth in Iraq’s SME sector, with the number of operational enterprises rising from 2,000 in 2021 to nearly 39,000 today.

Since the current administration took office, 5,470 projects have been established, including 53 industrial ventures that are already exporting products abroad.

The infant formula factory is expected to contribute to Iraq’s broader industrialization drive, supporting local production, creating jobs, and reducing dependency on foreign imports. Officials view it as a milestone in the country’s push to build a more resilient and self-sufficient economy.

Iraq PM launches US$2B agricultural megaprojects

Recently, Prime Minister Mohammed Shia’ Al-Sudani officially launched the implementation of five major agricultural and industrial projects valued at US$2 billion in Iraq’s Karbala Governorate.

These initiatives, affiliated with the Etihad Group, are set to transform Iraq’s food production landscape, focusing on meat and dairy production as well as fish farming.

The newly launched projects include a dairy factory with a production capacity of 3,000 tons per day, positioning it among the largest dairy plants in the world.

This facility is equipped with advanced European production lines, ensuring high-quality output. Additionally, a meat production plant has been initiated, featuring five slaughterhouses capable of processing 1,500 calves daily.

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