Al-Sudani Meets Ambassadors from the Iraq Economic Contact Group (IECG) Countries

Al-Sudani Meets Ambassadors from the Iraq Economic Contact Group (IECG) Countries
Baghdad-INA

Prime Minister Muhammad Shiaa Al-Sudani confirmed today, Thursday, that the path of reform is long and the government has begun to establish it in the long term.

The Prime Minister’s Media Office stated in a statement received by the Iraqi News Agency (INA), that “Prime Minister Muhammad Shia al-Sudani met with the Ambassadors of the Iraq Economic Contact Group (IECG), representing major economic countries including France, the United Kingdom, Italy, Spain, the United States, Japan, Canada, and the European Union Ambassador.

During the meeting, Prime Minister Al-Sudani expressed appreciation for the efforts made to support Iraq. He extended his thanks to the United States and Italy, that co-chaired the group, for their work and communication. Prime Minister Al-Sudani emphasized the continuation of cooperation with the incoming leadership represented by the United Kingdom and France to achieve the goals set for this group.

Prime Minister Al-Sudani outlined the government's vision on economic, financial, banking, and customs reforms that have been initiated. He emphasized the commitment to establishing a future work approach and highlighted efforts in implementing commitments within the government program, focusing on the five priorities included in the executive program. Prime Minister Al-Sudani emphasized the importance of strategic projects for Iraq's economic revolution, specifically highlighting the Development Road project and initiatives related to gas and renewable energy.

Prime Minister Al-Sudani emphasized the government's awareness that the path of reform is long. However, it has commenced laying the foundations for long-term reforms, aiming to facilitate the tasks of future governments.

The representatives of Iraq Economic Contact Group Countries (IECG) expressed significant interest and optimism in government policies regarding the economy. They acknowledged the government's efforts in addressing accumulated challenges, with the Italian Ambassador praising the government's achievements and the innovative elements in the budget, such as the Iraq Fund for Development and the provision of sovereign guarantees to the private sector.

The US Ambassador to Iraq praised the government's successful steps in banking reforms, highlighting the approach to reforming government banks through collaboration with major international companies. The US Ambassador also commended the government's efforts in activating the electronic payment system. The French Ambassador to Iraq commended the government's policies in reforming border crossings and customs, particularly the adoption of the ASYCUDA system. The Ambassador also acknowledged the government's initiative in preparing the three-year federal budget, recognizing the positive impact of these measures on economic stability and transparency.

The meeting concluded with an agreement to establish a task force and an action plan for a 6-month period. This plan involves regular meetings between representatives of the group's countries, relevant ministries, and advisors to the Prime Minister responsible for monitoring progress. Subsequently, a meeting chaired by the Prime Minister will be held to evaluate the outcomes and progress achieved during this period.