Mrs. Ghuson, an Iraqi chemical engineer at the East Baghdad Oilfield Project, embodies the essence of “EBS for Better Baghdad”, a slogan that symbolizes her personal journey and the story of cooperation between China and Iraq.
In a significant milestone in March 2023, the collaborative efforts of EBS Petroleum Company Limited, a subsidiary of China ZhenHua Oil Co., Ltd. (ZhenHua Oil), and the Iraqi Drilling Company culminated in the successful completion of the EBSH-18H well.
As the first horizontal development well undertaken by the Iraqi side, the project marked a milestone in bilateral technical cooperation and symbolized the growing capacity of joint operations.
Launched in 2018, the East Baghdad oilfield project faced complex geological conditions, earning the nickname “mystery reservoir” among local professionals. Boosting single-well productivity quickly became a priority. With support from ZhenHua Oil’s Exploration and Development Research Institute, the team implemented acid fracturing techniques. The results were remarkable: production at the EB-38 well reached 4,090 barrels per day — over 10 times higher than local expectations. The following EB-2 well achieved a peak test output of 10,648 barrels per day.
Mrs. Ghuson joined the project after graduating from the University of Technology, Iraq. Initially working as an administrative assistant, she was inspired by her Chinese colleagues’ dedication and enrolled in the project’s internal training program.
To strengthen local talent and promote cultural exchange, the company launched the “Elite Classroom” initiative. It featured training by Chinese experts and guest lectures by professors from Baghdad University, Baghdad University of Technology, and oil industry veterans. To date, over 60 sessions have been held, training more than 6,000 local employees. After being recognized as a top trainee, Mrs. Ghuson transitioned into the drilling department as an assistant engineer.
In her new role, Mrs. Ghuson took on multiple responsibilities, from managing drilling fluid recycling and post-drilling environmental protection to serving as a bilingual coordinator between Chinese managers and Iraqi teams.
“I’m grateful to the EBS project for changing my life and contributing to my city’s development,” she said. “A new modern primary school supported by the oilfield is also under construction. As a mother, I’m proud that more children will enjoy better educational opportunities”.
The project now boasts an annual production capacity of 1.5 million tons. It plays a vital role in powering Baghdad’s daily energy needs, creating 630 direct and over 2,100 indirect local jobs. Localization has reached 80 percent, and the production team is 96 percent locally staffed — the highest among all international oil companies operating in Iraq.
(Executive editor: Yuan Ting)
