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UNDP and USAID re-open Ninewa's Medical Fluids Factory to strengthen Iraq's health system

The U.S. Ambassador to Iraq, Alina Romanowski, and Deputy Resident Representative of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Iraq, Ghimar Deeb, recently participated in the reopening of the Ninewa Medical Fluids Factory, which will provide over 300 jobs and strengthen Ninewa's capacity to produce essential medical fluids.

The factory, which had been severely damaged during the ISIS conflict, was rehabilitated through UNDP's flagship programme, the Funding Facility for Stabilization (FFS), with generous funding provided by the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID).

The reopened facility will produce a range of general medical fluids, including saline, dextrose, and other essential products for patient care in hospitals and health centers across Mosul and greater Ninewa.

"The opening of the Ninewa Medical Fluids Factory is a major achievement and an important milestone in UNDP's stabilization efforts in Iraq," said Resident Representative of UNDP in Iraq, Auke Lootsma. "The factory will provide jobs and support the delivery of essential medical supplies to hospitals and health centers in Mosul and greater Ninewa, benefiting over 800,000 people. The reopening of this factory is a testament to the resilience of the Iraqi people and their determination to rebuild their lives and communities."

The factory's rehabilitation included installing state-of-the-art equipment and validating existing equipment to meet current specifications. The rehabilitation was also done following international standards to ensure the quality of the products produced.

"We are here today because of the generous funding provided by USAID. As one of the founding partners of the facility, USAID has made important contributions to Mosul and to stabilization in Iraq," added Mr. Lootsma.

The reopening of the Ninewa Medical Fluids Factory will strengthen the region's health system and the availability of essential medical supplies to patients across the region.

(Source: UN)

U.S. Ambassador to Iraq Alina Romanowski's Remarks

Virtual Roundtable Discussion with the U.S.-Iraq Business Council

January 31, 2023

I am pleased to meet with members of the U.S.-Iraq Business Council.  You represent some of the finest companies in the United States, and some of you know Iraq very well.

Let me begin by providing a brief overview of where things stand in the U.S.-Iraq bilateral relationship.  In short, we are committed to the relationship for the long term.  Iraq plays an important and strategic role in the region.  We are closely engaged with the new Iraqi government and the Iraqi people in our mutual desire to see a democratic, peaceful Iraq that is stable, secure, and sovereign.

An important part of our work is to facilitate trade and investment in Iraq and thus promote Iraq's growth.  While Iraq's investment climate has its challenges, there are some positive trends.  An estimated 60 percent of the population is younger than 25 years of age, and the Iraqi youth are Iraq's most valuable resource for building a prosperous, inclusive Iraq.  Now that a new government is in place under the leadership of Prime Minister Sudani, we are working with Iraq's leaders on a range of common goals, with economic and commercial issues taking a prominent place in our agenda.

In my meetings with Iraq's new leaders, I have emphasized that the Iraqi government must respond to the legitimate demands of the Iraqi people.  I have also assured Prime Minister Sudani of our readiness to collaborate with his government on a whole range of shared interests.  We have further demonstrated our willingness to work with the Sudani government with the recent visit of National Security Coordinator for the Middle East and North Africa Brett McGurk and Special Presidential Coordinator for Global Infrastructure and Energy Security Amos Hochstein, who met with Prime Minister Sudani and other Iraqi leaders in Baghdad and Erbil in January.  The prime minister made it clear that our goals and his significantly overlap.

We are currently working with the Iraqi government to finalize plans for a visit to Washington in early February by a delegation led by Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein.  In planning the delegation's visit - and in our bilateral relations in general - we are increasing our focus on issues such as economic cooperation and climate change.

The Iraqi people look to their government to provide greater economic opportunity, and it is important for the Sudani government to make the promotion of diverse economic growth a priority.  Economic and regulatory reform is needed to rebalance the economy from its reliance on oil, to deal with chronic shortages in electricity, and to address climate change.  We firmly support Iraqi efforts in these areas and strongly encourage the Iraqi government to partner with U.S. companies - with their tremendous expertise, capacity, and experience - in meeting these energy and environmental challenges.  We know that strengthening the investment climate is crucial to attracting U.S. and other foreign investment in these areas, and we engage with our Iraqi partners on this issue as well.

The impasse in forming a government after the previous elections impeded the national governments' budget process.  The Sudani government is now preparing a 2023 budget that could open the doors for progress on infrastructure projects and other vital programs.  That budget holds the potential for progress as well as peril.

Higher oil prices in 2022 boosted government revenue - another development that can potentially aid Iraq's progress.  But, as might be expected, the government is under pressure to add new jobs to an already bloated public sector.  If it does not exercise caution, inflation might accelerate, putting the economy on shaky ground.  The government should act prudently in authorizing new projects, while vigorously addressing corruption and seeking to rein in salary expenditures.

We have seen positive signs from the Sudani government on the economic front.  For years, the United States has worked closely with the Central Bank of Iraq (CBI) to prevent criminal and corrupt actors from accessing the international banking system and to bring Iraqi banks into compliance with international standards.  In coordination with the CBI, we implemented regulatory changes that improve transparency into financial transactions.  These changes were planned for over two years and not related to the timeline for government formation.  An immediate consequence of these and other anti-corruption measures is that the United States and CBI have successfully limited the ability of bad actors to misuse the Iraqi banking system to launder funds.  And despite strong criticism of the government and conspiracy theories claiming sinister U.S. motives for the dollar exchange rate issue, the new government has strongly supported CBI's new measures and is trying to rein in actors who are hoarding dollars or taking other measures to artificially increase the spread on the informal market.

Under the new government, we have seen the strongest levels of U.S. wheat purchases we have seen in some time.  They also approved an energy contract that was negotiated under the previous government with a U.S. firm.

Further, just hours after local sources began circulating U.S. press stories about the unlicensed Starbucks cafes in Baghdad, the prime minister's spokesperson issued a strong statement condemning their operations, and the unlicensed cafes were closed within hours.

Some remain skeptical of Iraq's private sector.  I, however, see hopeful signs.  Iraq's entrepreneurship and innovation ecosystem is growing rapidly.  USAID now offers a diverse series of business development programs to support that ecosystem. Since 2020, more than 10,000 entrepreneurs have received business support services from USAID programs, including support for setting up, formalizing, and sustainably scaling up their businesses.

We saw impressive growth in Iraq's tech and e-commerce sectors during the surge of COVID.  In response, we are helping Iraqi businesses present themselves to the U.S. and other markets as viable investment opportunities.  Since 2021, USAID has mobilized about $41 million in investments to local firms with contributions from U.S.-based venture capital.

We are doing much more to support the development of Iraq's private sector. USAID has allocated approximately $2 million to partner with business development hubs - including Five One Labs, The Station, Science Camp, and Mosul Space - to build the resilience capacities of the private sector, focusing on increased opportunities for women and youth and providing business management skills and access to finance opportunities.  This work is ongoing throughout Iraq, including in the Iraqi Kurdistan Region.

Despite the economic and political challenges facing Iraq, the newly formed government, the expected passage of a new budget, increased oil revenue, and progress in Iraq's private sector are positive developments.  I'm confident that opportunities exist for U.S. businesses to export products and services to Iraq.  Specifically, the embassy has identified franchising, agriculture, education, renewable energy, healthcare, defense, and energy as sectors with potential for U.S. trade and investment in Iraq.

And with support from our consulate in Erbil, the American Chamber of Commerce-Kurdistan is growing and developing into an effective advocacy organization for reform, inclusive growth, and diversification of the economy.

In addition to the traditional services offered by the U.S. Commercial Service, our embassy has launched a new initiative to promote U.S.-Iraq business endeavors.  On November 15, we hosted the first in a series of Forums to Improve Iraq's Business Climate, which brought together representatives of U.S. businesses and Iraqi businesses.  At that virtual forum, we focused our discussion on Iraq's customs system and the impediments it presents to trade.  A representative of the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development, UNCTAD, spoke to the forum participants about his organization's project to automate Iraq's customs process.  Supporting this project, known by its acronym ASYCUDA, should be a goal of the business community as well as the U.S. Embassy and likeminded embassies in Baghdad.  The project has the potential to revolutionize the customs process, decrease opportunities for corruption, and facilitate trade while enhancing Iraqi government revenues.  ASYCUDA will surely face resistance as it is rolled out.  We plan to use this series of forums to develop support for improvements like automation of the customs process.

We are keen to address the challenges of the private sector's growth in Iraq, particularly unlocking financing opportunities for SMEs.  Last June, USAID convened financial experts, donors, government, and private business leaders to discuss securing capital for local businesses, establishing the first access-to-finance forum in Iraq.  This March, USAID will hold a follow-on event in Erbil to present solutions and innovative approaches to increase lending to the private sector and advance financial inclusion.

I do not want to present an overly rosy picture of the business environment in Iraq.  U.S. companies doing business here face significant challenges, as some of you know all too well.  We are engaged on several fronts to advocate for U.S. businesses.  But I do believe there are positive developments.  And I can assure you that my team at the embassy and I stand ready to support you.

(Source: US Embassy)

The Ministry of Planning of the Kurdistan Regional Government of Iraq, in partnership with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and with funding from the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) has launched a study on Micro, Small, and Medium-Enterprises (MSMEs) in Iraq.

The study provides an evidence base to inform policies and strategies aimed at creating sustainable livelihoods in Iraq, including through MSME development.

Funded by USAID, the Micro, Small, and Medium-sized Enterprises Survey covered the four governorates of Erbil, Sulaymaniyah, Halabja and Duhok and expands on an initial survey covering Baghdad, Basra and Ninewa governorates.

The survey is designed to build a comprehensive analysis on MSME structures, trends, business dynamics, challenges and opportunities through up-to-date, reliable, relevant market information and analysis. Key findings of the KRI survey highlight low participation of females in MSME ownership (13%), financing issues, and weak marketing structures.

Auke Lootsma, UNDP Iraq Resident Representative, said:

"MSMEs in Iraq face significant challenges. As we continue to grapple with the social and economic impacts of COVID-19 in Iraq, this study once again highlights the importance of the private sector in Iraq to create much needed economic diversification and sustainable employment opportunities, especially for vulnerable groups.

"This critical work could not have been possible without our strong partnership with the Ministry of Planning, and generous support from our longstanding partner USAID."

The KRG Minister of Planning, Dr. Dara Rashid, emphasized his support for the initiative. He expressed his appreciation for the important support provided by UNDP Iraq and USAID in designing and implementing the timely study, and noted the importance of continued support to develop an action plan to implement its recommendations.

USAID Director Elise Jensen added that:

"MSMEs are a vital part of a healthy economy. They offer opportunities for youth, women, and vulnerable populations to actively contribute to the country's economic growth and long-term stability.

"We are proud to partner with Kurdistan Regional Government counterparts and the private sector to enact critical initiatives and reform projects that empower MSME growth and elevate their role in developing the economy."

The survey is part of UNDP Iraq's Funding Facility for Economic Reform (FFER) programme - implemented by UNDP Iraq to promote sustainable poverty-centered economic reform in the country, with generous support of the American people through USAID.

(Source: UN)

The newly built Reverse Osmosis Water Treatment System in al-Qayrawan, Sinjar, has officially been opened with support from the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and the Ninewa Governorate.

The newly built water treatment system will provide uninterrupted access to clean drinking water to over 9,500 people living in central al-Qayrawan, Sinjar. The purpose-built facility can treat over 100 litres of water per person daily.

Before this, people living in al-Qayrawan did not have regular access to clean water. They would purchase water in tankers from private companies. The expense and uncertainty of transporting water by road resulted in increased prices and a lack of quality control. In addition, during the ISIL conflict, water supply from the tankers was regularly interrupted, leaving people without clean drinking water.

The Reverse Osmosis Water Treatment system is self-sustainable and built to purify and desalinate groundwater. The project included building three water treatment stations strategically distributed across central al-Qayrawan to reach all households. Each station has a well, reverse osmosis plant, dispensing tanks and spigots to produce over 20,000 litres of water every hour.

The project was implemented through USAID and UNDP's Funding Facility for Stabilization programme. Since 2015, USAID has contributed over US $400 million to the Facility, including over $10 million in Sinjar, making it the Facility's leading partner. To date, USAID has supported around 900 rehabilitation projects through the Facility, including ensuring services such as water, education, electricity and health are restored.

"The reopening of this water treatment system is an important milestone in the journey to rebuild Sinjar and recover from years of instability. Finding local and sustainable solutions such as this system is key to creating a safe and dignified environment for families choosing to return to Sinjar," says UNDP Resident Representative in Iraq, Zena Ali Ahmad.

"We would not be here today without the support of one of our founding partners, USAID. Together with USAID, we have made tremendous contributions to stabilization in Iraq. I would also like to recognize the strong partnership UNDP has with the federal government and local authorities, which enables us to implement such projects and ensure their sustainability," she adds.

UNDP is the leading implementer of stabilization activities in Iraq. To date, UNDP has completed over 3,300 stabilization projects across the liberated areas of Anbar, Diyala, Kirkuk, Ninewa, and Salah al-Din. The programme has assisted 4.95 million internally displaced people to return home.

(Source: UNDP)

UNDP, USAID and KRG support digitization of the Public Pension Management Information System in Kurdistan

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Iraq and Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) of Iraq, with support from the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) has launched a new Public Pension Management Information System (PPMIS) in Kurdistan.

The system will help to digitize and simplify business processes, reduce processing time for retirement applications, and prepare reports for decision makers.

UNDP has worked closely with the Ministry of Finance and Economy (MoF) and the Ministry of Planning (MoP) of the KRG to implement the PPMIS, a customized web-based application that connects twelve pension directorates with the General Directorate of Pension, and replaces a manual paperwork process, meaning easier and more seamless coordination and access to information.

UNDP has conducted five training sessions, training a total of 62 pension departmental staff, and has supported the General Directorate of Pension with the establishment of an administrative unit to implement and manage the system. This new system, which officially became active on 01 August 2022, has seen close to 600 new retirement applications submitted already.

According to Dr. Dara Rashid Mahmud, Minister of Planning, Kurdistan Regional Government:

"The Public Pension Management system is one of the Kurdistan Regional Government's accomplishments, and it is implemented in all governorates across Kurdistan."

Mr. Hazen Ismail Ramazan, Director General of Pension, Ministry of Finance and Economy, Kurdistan Regional Government, said:

"The new Public Pension Management Information System will support the digitization of pensioners affairs, link all pension directorates in the Kurdistan Region together, and speed up the processing time for pension applications in the future. Also, pensioners can follow the progress of their applications online."

U.S. Consul General Irvin Hicks, Jr., said:

"Ensuring timely and seamless access to pension information is a positive development that promotes the use of transparent and sustainable digital technology in Iraq. The U.S. Mission in Iraq is proud of its contribution to bolster the pension management system in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq."

UNDP Iraq Resident Representative, Zena Ali-Ahmad, states:

"UNDP is grateful for the generous support from USAID alongside integral efforts from the Kurdistan Regional Government for their dedication toward upgrading the pension management information system in Kurdistan, ensuring residents are able to better access public services as they exit the workforce."

(Source: UN)

By John Lee.

A Beirut-based delivery startup has said it will use new funding to support expansion in Iraq.

Toters last month raised more than $15 million in series-B funding from the International Finance Corporation (IFC), March Holding, and BY Venture Partners, having previously raised over $5 million in two previous rounds.

According to Naharnet, the funding was also provided in part by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID).

Co-founder and CEO Tamim Khalfa told Rest of World:

"Our customers will have wider choice at more affordable prices and we will deploy our model in more cities in Iraq."

(Sources: Rest of World, Naharnet)

After Destruction, Sinjar Court House Officially Reopens with Support from USAID and UNDP

The Sinjar Court House has been reopened with support from the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the United States Agency for International Development (USAID).

The Court House, which provides important legal services such as administration of justice, was left severely damaged during ISIL occupation. With generous funding from USAID, UNDP rehabilitated this important facility that serves over 25,000 people across Sinjar District.

The spacious and purpose-built Court House consists of 25 rooms, a director room, four waiting rooms and one main courtroom.

The project was implemented through UNDP's flagship programme, the Funding Facility for Stabilization (FFS). Since 2015, USAID has contributed around US $400 million to FFS, including over $10 million in Sinjar, making it the FFS programme's leading partner.

To date, USAID has supported around 900 FFS rehabilitation projects, including critical water and electrical infrastructure, as well as schools, housing, and health facilities.

"The reopening of this facility is an important milestone in the journey to rebuild Sinjar and for the rule of law to prevail in the area. Rehabilitating critical infrastructure and restoring essential services such as the Sinjar Court House is key to creating a safe and dignified environment for families choosing to return to Sinjar. Especially, through USAID's support, UNDP has been able to prioritize support to the Yazidi survivors of genocide as they return and rebuild their lives after years of conflict and trauma," says UNDP Resident Representative in Iraq, Zena Ali Ahmad.

"Restoring access to the judicial system is a critical component of the recovery process. The reopening of the Sinjar Court House is therefore a beacon of hope for the entire Yazidi community. USAID is proud of our work to rehabilitate this essential infrastructure, offering legal services and law enforcement to the residents of Sinjar," said USAID Mission Director to Iraq, John Cardenas.

"We are here today because of the generous funding provided by USAID. As one of the founding partners of FFS, USAID has made generous contributions to Sinjar and to stabilization in Iraq," added Ms. Ahmad.

Since 2015, FFS has worked with the Government of Iraq and local actors to ensure safe, dignified, and voluntary returns and to lay the foundation for the successful reintegration of displaced populations into the community. To date, around 3,100 projects have been completed across the five governorates liberated from ISIL, improving the lives of more than 8 million Iraqis.

(Source: UN)

From 51 Labs:

It is our utmost pleasure to see entrepreneurs thrive! With the generous support of USAID, we concluded the 2022 Incubator for Creators program with a Startup Demo Day event.

At the end of the event, three of the participating startups won seed funding prizes totaling $30,000 that would help them push their ideas forward and accelerate their development. Thank you to Elryan.com for sponsoring one of the seed funding prizes, and congratulations to the startups that won the funding!

Five One Labs' aim is to support innovative entrepreneurs to take their business ideas to the next level and we are very proud of this group of motivated entrepreneurs. We are eagerly waiting to see their next steps going forward.

We want to give a special thanks to H.E. the Deputy Prime Minister, Mr. Qubad Talabani, H.E. the Consul General of the United States of America, Mr. Robert Palladino, and H.E the Consul General of Germany, Mr. Klemens Semtner, for their attendance at the Demo Day.

The Incubators for Creators program and Demo Day were sponsored by USAID. Thank you for your consistent support of entrepreneurs in Iraq!

(Source: 51 Labs)

Health facilities in Al-Karma officially reopen after destruction by ISIL

Two newly-rehabilitated health facilities - the External Consultancy Clinic and Al-Sijr Public Health Centre were officially reopened by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), Government of Australia and Anbar Governorate.

When ISIL captured Al-Karma, the health facilities across the region suffered extensive damages. Equipment was stolen and infrastructure was left destroyed. Prior to rehabilitation of the health facilities, residents were forced to travel more than fifteen kilometers to Fallujah Teaching Hospital for treatment and medical services.

The two facilities were rehabilitated by UNDP's Funding Facility for Stabilization (FFS) with generous funding provided by the Government of Australia.  In addition, the Government of Denmark provided furniture and USAID supplied equipment to the Al-Sijr Public Health Centre.

"The reopening of the External Consultancy Clinic and Al-Sijr Public Health Centre in Al-Karma is an important milestone to restoring essential health services across the region. However, our commitment to building Iraq forward better and stabilizing areas affected by ISIL do not end here. We have also supported the rehabilitation of over 50 health facilities in Anbar alone. This includes clinics, public health centers, hospitals and even specialty hospitals such as maternity and dental clinics," says UNDP Resident Representative in Iraq, Zena Ali Ahmad.

"We are here today because of the generous funding and longstanding partnership with the international community. The rehabilitation of the two facilities would not have been possible without the support provided by the Government of Australia. I would also like to thank Government of Denmark for providing the furniture and USAID for supplying the equipment at the Al-Sijr Public Health Centre," she added.

"Australia values our longstanding partnership with the Government of Iraq and UNDP and is proud to support recovery efforts in this country. The conflict with ISIL left severe damage to vital infrastructure and impacted the lives of many Iraqis, says Ms. Paula Ganly, the Australian Ambassador to Iraq.

"The Australian Government believes that access to adequate health care is a basic human right. The rehabilitation and functioning of these clinics will provide essential health services to Karma district and surrounds," she added.

Since 2015, through the Funding Facility for Stabilization, UNDP has completed around 3,100 stabilization projects across the liberated areas of Anbar, Diyala, Kirkuk, Ninewa, Salah Al-Din.  To date, the programme has supported the return of more than 4.8 million people back to their place of origin.

(Source: UN)

WHO marks five years of strategic partnership with USAID in Iraq

The World Health Organization (WHO) marks the five-year milestone of its strategic partnership with the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) to support the provision of life-saving and essential healthcare services to vulnerable populations in Iraq.

Over the past five years, USAID has provided WHO Iraq with support totalling US$122 million.

Dr Ahmed Zouiten, WHO Representative in Iraq, said@

"USAID has been the biggest funding partner of WHO in Iraq over the past five years. We're proud of this genuine and growing partnership, which helped us expand access to much-needed healthcare services for millions of people in different governorates.

"We greatly value and appreciate this impactful partnership, and we're exploring new opportunities to deepen this collaborative partnership further."

Impact of USAID's contribution

Thanks to the generous contribution from USAID, over 6 million primary health care consultations, including mental and physical rehabilitation services, were provided to Iraqi citizens, while over 1,500 individuals benefited from various capacity building training.

USAID support also provided 56 new ambulances to the Iraqi health system, helping to ensure uninterrupted access to referral services. Funds also went to delivering essential medicines, medical supplies and diagnostic equipment to various conflict-affected governorates to provide comprehensive primary health care services to millions of people, including around 300,000 Syrian refugees and host communities in Erbil, Dahuk and Sulaymaniyah governorates.

In addition, USAID has contributed to WHO-Iraq's preparedness and response to COVID-19 by adding up to 800 new COVID-19 vaccination locations, including in challenging humanitarian areas, such as in camps housing refugees and internally displaced persons.

It is also providing equipment and supplies, as well as technical assistance to Iraqi laboratories, clinics, and hospitals for testing, diagnosing, and treating COVID-19. USAID funding is also helping train frontline workers on caring for COVID-19 patients and organizing awareness-raising campaigns.

Heather Schildge, Acting USAID Mission Director to Iraq, said:

"The United States is the leading humanitarian assistance provider in Iraq. We are pleased to celebrate five years of fruitful partnership with the WHO and stand committed to working with the Government of Iraq and other partners to provide critical services to Iraq's most vulnerable populations."

(Source: UN)