Baghdad-INA
Finance Minister Falah Sari discussed on Sunday with a delegation from the World Bank technical support for the preparation of the state budget and the strengthening of economic reforms.
A statement by the ministry, received by the Iraqi News Agency (INA), said that "Finance Minister Falah Sari received a World Bank delegation headed by Regional Director Jean-Christophe Carret and the Special Representative of the mission in Iraq, Emmanuel Salinas, to discuss prospects for technical and institutional cooperation, and support for financial and economic reform priorities in Iraq."
He added that "the meeting discussed mechanisms of cooperation with the World Bank in providing technical and advisory support for the preparation of the upcoming federal budget, in a way that enhances the efficiency of financial planning, takes into account spending priorities, and supports fiscal sustainability amid current economic changes."
Sari stressed that "the Ministry of Finance is continuing to implement financial reforms based on developing financial management, strengthening non-oil revenues, and modernizing banking, tax and customs systems, in line with the priorities of the government programme."
He pointed to "the importance of benefiting from international expertise and the technical support provided by the World Bank, particularly in the areas of institutional capacity building, the preparation of fiscal policies, and supporting development projects and stimulating investment."
For its part, the World Bank delegation reaffirmed "its support for the Iraqi government in implementing financial and economic reform programmes, and in providing the necessary technical consultations, in a way that contributes to strengthening financial stability and supporting sustainable development goals."