policy
The Iraqi Prime Minister, Ali Faleh Al-Zaidi, emphasized on Saturday that among the most prominent priorities of his government is launching a comprehensive economic and financial reform program aimed at "building a strong, diversified, and sustainable national economy that does not rely on a single resource."
Al-Zaidi said, in a televised speech addressed to Iraqians on the occasion of officially assuming his duties, that this program is based on stimulating the sectors of industry, agriculture, tourism, and investment, and encouraging national capacities and Iraqi competencies, stressing that "he will work with all strength to protect public funds and fight administrative and financial corruption in all its forms, as it constitutes an obstacle to development and delays the state's progress."
He added that providing job opportunities for youth and reducing unemployment rates are at the forefront of the new government lineup's concerns, through launching productive and developmental projects, encouraging investment, and supporting the private sector to be an essential partner in building the economy, stressing his endeavor to provide a fair environment that ensures the equitable distribution of opportunities among all citizens of the country, away from favoritism and in a way that consolidates the principle of citizenship and social justice.
The Prime Minister confirmed supporting the education sector exceptionally, through developing curricula and rehabilitating schools and universities, and upgrading academic institutions, pointing out at the same time to proceeding with practical plans to improve the level of medical services, developing hospitals, and ensuring access to decent health service for every citizen in cities and rural areas alike.
Al-Zaidi stressed that "the services and infrastructure file will not remain hostage to postponed promises, but will be a field for work and clear achievement, through strategic projects to improve electricity, water, roads, bridges, and housing networks."
Addressing Iraqians, he said, "Your government will be a government of a state of institutions, and a government of law and justice, open to everyone, listening to the voice of the citizen, and believing that the state's strength comes from the confidence of its people," indicating "We will work to consolidate security and stability, protect Iraq's sovereignty, and enhance our Arab, regional, and international relations on the basis of mutual respect and common interests."
