Baghdad-INA
The financial advisor to the Prime Minister, Mudher Muhammad Salih, confirmed today, Saturday, that Prime Minister Ali Faleh Al-Zaidi visit to the US capital, Washington, represents a strategic opportunity to reshape the economic relations between Iraq and the United States on more sustainable foundations.
Salih told the Iraqi News Agency (INA) that “the upcoming talks between the Iraqi and American sides are expected to focus on transforming major economic initiatives—foremost among them the proposed Energy and Development Fund—into actionable executive programs within clear legal and institutional frameworks, in a way that enhances the investment environment and encourages long-term partnerships,”He added that the talks will also focus on 'investment, production, and technology transfer, achieving the mutual interests of both countries and supporting economic development efforts in Iraq.”
“He added that 'the most prominent economic files on the table for discussion include advancing cooperation in the energy sector through developing oil and gas fields, investing in associated gas, and expanding renewable energy projects, as well as introducing modern technologies for electricity generation and transmission,” He noted that,” the talks will also address enhancing cooperation in infrastructure projects by implementing roads, bridges, railways, airports, ports, and industrial cities in partnership with American companies, thereby contributing to supporting economic development and creating job opportunities.”
Saleh explained that “the technology sector is receiving great attention, through the development of digital government, the strengthening of cybersecurity, the modernization of the communications sector, and the encouragement of investments in the digital economy,” indicating that “the proposed cooperation also includes the agricultural sector, through the introduction of modern irrigation technologies, the development of food industries, the strengthening of food security and the increase of agricultural exports, in addition to building partnerships with American universities and educational institutions to develop training and qualification programs for Iraqi youth that meet the needs of the labor market.”
He emphasized that 'the success of the visit in reaching practical understandings on these files would establish a new phase of economic partnership between Iraq and the United States, based on diversifying income sources, transferring technology, enhancing the role of the private sector, and achieving sustainable development.”