In order to find solutions to these and other socio-economic challenges it is important that serious efforts are undertaken to arrive at a a consensus on the policy reforms needed. These types of issues require an open and honest debate about the necessary policy reforms and the institutions that will have to implement the new policies. This National Economic Conference has brought us all together here for exactly that purpose. Allow me to make a few observations in building on my own experience as minister of Social Affairs and Employment in my own country and having worked closely on many occasions with the International Labour Organisation.
Building an equitable market economy is a long-term process. There is no single socio-economic reform which will on its own facilitate a quick transformation into a fully functioning market economy. Different reforms are needed at the same time. Let me mention as key examples:
- Simplifying the ability to do business in Iraq
- Allowing labour to organize without interference
- Introducing corruption abatement policies
- Increasing access to finance
- Due process and the rule of law
- Corporatizing state-owned enterprises.
Each of these reforms are catalysts that work with each other in creating the best environment possible for economic development and the generation of employment.
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