Iraqi President Meets World Bank's Delegation: Iraq Heads Toward Achieving National Economic Reform, Promotion of Investment and Works to Support Private Sector and Curb Corruption

On Wednesday, June 2, 2021, the President of the Republic of Iraq, Barham Salih met with the World Bank Group Vice President for Middle East and North Africa, Mr. Ferid Belhaj and alongside his delegation. The meeting was held at al-Salam Palace in Baghdad.
Conversation underlined the importance of promoting cooperation between Iraq and the World Bank, while placing emphasis on the need to support efforts that aim to undertake fiscal reforms and work toward improving economic structure, curb corruption and recover stolen funds, where these could be achieved through having further international collaboration and coordination.
The two sides agreed that it is essential to support investment, private sector, and advantage should be taken of human wealth, especially the role of the youths in establishing the country's sustainable economy.
President Salih said that the government goes ahead toward economic reforms, addressing the structural imbalances in our national economy, curbing corruption and recovering stolen funds through having further coordination with international efforts.
There is a need to provide the basic needs for a decent life to Iraqi citizens as well as ensuring adequate living conditions for them, he added.
It is therefore, challenges related to economy, climate change and protection of the environment should be addressed as they are urgent priority for achieving sustainable development, where these can be realized by having further coordination and sharing the international experience, the President underlined.
Mr. Belhaj hailed Iraq's partnership with the World Bank and encouraged its further promotion. He reiterated the World Bank's commitment to supporting Iraq in its new trajectory that was taken to hold deepening economic reforms over the country. The World Bank stands ready to provide Iraq with assistance and advice in order to move forward in achieving its goals that it seeks for.