In preparation for the strategic dialogue: 4 proposed axes for discussion between Baghdad and Washin

[size=52]In preparation for the strategic dialogue: 4 proposed axes for discussion between Baghdad and Washington[/size]

[size=45]Translated by Hamid Ahmed[/size]
[size=45]The American-Iraqi Trade Council stated that while the two sides are preparing to resume their strategic dialogue in April within the framework of the future of the US-Iraqi relationship, the Council recommends focusing on a number of main axes punctuated by economic and commercial opportunities, as well as keeping the file of security and political issues at the forefront of the concerns of the new administration of US President Joe Biden. Towards Iraq.[/size]
[size=45]The council said that President Biden spoke last February with Prime Minister Mustafa Al-Kazemi, assuring him of the United States' support for the sovereignty and independence of Iraq, while also highlighting the importance of moving forward with the US-Iraqi strategic dialogue and expanding the scope of joint cooperation between the two countries.[/size]
[size=45]The council mentioned in the report that the consequences of the Corona epidemic that affected the whole world had a great impact on Iraq, which made the difficult economic situation and the impact of this on its budget, which increases the importance of joint work between the United States and Iraq to support the Iraqi economic reform agenda as the main tool of this strategy. The Council considers the private sector as a stabilizing factor for Iraq, and its strength must be strengthened to the fullest extent through cooperation with partners in the Iraqi government, and the growth of the bilateral trade relationship as well as improving the livelihood opportunities for Iraqi citizens.[/size]
[size=45]The American Iraqi Trade Council has a long history of working with the US government, the private sector, and investors in Iraq. We remain committed to continuing to work with our partners for the important goal of inclusive economic growth through structural reforms, investment and renewal of our commitment to this valuable endeavor. In this way, the American-Iraqi Trade Council recommends that the American administration take into consideration four main axes to strengthen the US-Iraqi strategic partnership and move it forward, which include the health aspect and the participation of the private sector in it, as well as enabling Iraq to rely on itself in the manufacture of gas and the development of infrastructure for this sector, and support sector reforms And last but not least, encourage the development of special economic zones to mobilize investment and create job opportunities in the country.[/size]
[size=45]With regard to the health aspect amid the outbreak of the Corona epidemic, the American-Iraqi Trade Council calls for strengthening the pledges made by the United States with Iraq through the Memorandum of Understanding signed in 2020 between the American ambassador to Iraq, Matthew Toller, and the Director General of Public Health at the Ministry of Health, Riyadh Al-Halfi, to bring and equip Medicines and medical equipment for health establishments in Iraq. The memorandum states that a joint committee composed of the governments of the two countries holds a quarterly meeting every six months to follow up on what has been achieved in this field. Under the umbrella of the US-Iraqi strategic dialogue, the council recommends establishing an American-Iraqi dialogue in the field of health in order to create a forum through which post-Corona epidemic issues are resolved.[/size]
[size=45]In its recommendations, the Council indicates the necessity of engaging the private sector in the field of dialogue on health issues and any working groups that are interested in this topic. This can be achieved through a high-level working group consisting of representatives of the two governments in the field of industry and the medical sector and professional institutions that define and set the priorities of the health sector.[/size]
[size=45]As for the axis of gas manufacturing, developing its industry and ending its burning in the air, the development of this sector in Iraq would help to enhance the movement of the country's projects and many industrial sectors in it, which in turn create new job opportunities and maintain the pace of economic growth.[/size]
[size=45]The Council recommends that the Biden administration invite a special meeting of the recently reconfigured Iraqi-American Joint Energy Coordination Committee in order to set its priorities in helping Iraq achieve its goal of ending associated gas waste and combustion and becoming an independent country in the field of energy and its production, taking into consideration the involvement of the sector. Your as a factor to achieve this goal.[/size]
[size=45]Through the Joint Energy Committee, the Council recommends that the Biden administration encourage officials in the central government of Baghdad and the Kurdistan Regional Government to work together to improve the development of the gas industry in the country, which will lead to the supply of sustainable electrical energy in all parts of Iraq.[/size]
[size=45]As for the third axis related to supporting the reforms of the financial sector in Iraq, it is important to enhance American investment in Iraq and the contribution of the private sector in it, and that encouraging the reform of the banking sector will have a positive impact across the country's economy in general. While government banks are important for the development of Iraq, private banks must also play an important role in creating credit and receiving deposits, especially for individuals and small businesses.[/size]
[size=45]As for the fourth axis related to encouraging the development of special economic zones and creating job opportunities in the country, the United States and Iraq must have a bilateral investment agreement that facilitates the realization of commercial investment for American companies in Iraq. The Council notes that while Prime Minister Al-Kazemi considered economic reform as a priority and expects its results in the long term, it is very vital and trying to achieve progress in the short and medium term in order to involve American companies in the economic development opportunities in Iraq in order to achieve this. Special economic zones in Iraq will help create more opportunities for American investment in the country and help diversify the participation of the private sector in Iraq.[/size]
[size=45]Areas such as Basra and Kirkuk will be among the areas that deserve to be nominated to launch the special economic zones model in Iraq, in order to accelerate the process of economic development and encourage broader reforms by achieving early success stories in partnership with the American private sector.[/size]
[size=45]The Council recommended that this issue be raised during the strategic dialogue meeting between the United States and Iraq, with the participation of the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund, in order to increase the rate of American investment in Iraq.[/size]
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