World Bank Discusses Funding for Iraqi Projects

By John Lee.

Iraq's Minister of Finance, Taif Sami Mohammed, held a meeting on Monday with a World Bank delegation led by the Regional Director for the Middle East, Jean-Christophe Carret.

The discussions focused on enhancing cooperation in economic and social development.

Key Discussion Points:

1. Support for Transportation and Infrastructure Projects:
   • Development of transportation and railway projects.
   • Infrastructure development for the Development Road Project, which links Iraq with Turkey and extends towards Europe.
2. Funding for Social Development Programs:
   • Financing for the Social Development Fund's programs aimed at improving the quality of services for citizens.
   • Support for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).
   • Efforts to reduce poverty and unemployment.

The proposed projects aim to:

• Improve the quality of services provided to the public.
• Boost economic growth.
• Create new job opportunities.
• Enhance the transportation network and infrastructure.
• Support SMEs and combat poverty and unemployment.

During the meeting, both sides expressed optimism about reaching fruitful cooperation agreements that would contribute to achieving sustainable development in Iraq.

(Source: Ministry of Finance)