Eco
Prime Minister Ali Faleh Al-Zaidi confirmed on Tuesday that the government is moving towards establishing a development fund aimed at financing vital projects in the agricultural sector and other sectors such as health and education. This affirmation came during Al-Zaidi's reception of the Acting Resident Coordinator for the United Nations in Iraq, Peter Hawkins, where they discussed ways to enhance cooperation and partnership between Iraq and the international organization in developmental and economic fields. During the meeting, the two sides addressed the UN's efforts to support reform and development programs, in line with the Iraqi government's priorities and the Sustainable Development Goals. Al-Zaidi indicated that the government, as part of its economic reform plans, is focusing on rural development and supporting the agricultural sector, in addition to developing the private sector, with the aim of achieving sustainable development and diversifying the economy. Al-Zaidi clarified that the new development fund will contribute to financing agricultural sector projects and establishing industrial cities, as well as supporting projects in the health and education sectors which the private sector will undertake. He affirmed that these projects are essential for achieving development and generating new job opportunities. The Prime Minister also stressed the importance of continued cooperation and coordination with the United Nations to benefit from its expertise and programs in supporting the path of reform and development, to enhance economic and social stability and consolidate Iraq's regional and international standing. For his part, Hawkins affirmed the United Nations' support for the Iraqi government's efforts in economic reforms and private sector development, commending the endeavors aimed at achieving Iraq's developmental goals.
