Baghdad: The Ministry of Planning has engaged in discussions with the World Bank to explore mechanisms for financing strategic projects aimed at boosting development in Iraq, focusing on essential infrastructure and public service sectors.
According to National Iraqi News Agency, a meeting led by Deputy Minister for Technical Affairs Maher Hamad Johan, along with Head of the Advisory Board Abdulkarim Al-Faisal, concentrated on funding opportunities for crucial projects. These projects encompass railways, strategic roads, and electricity, as well as the development of universities, educational centers, kindergartens, and teacher training institutes. Additionally, the discussions included environmental projects for air quality monitoring and sustainability, along with agricultural initiatives.
Bassem Dhari Mahmoud, Director General of the Sector Planning Department, elaborated that the talks included discussions on the loan ceiling, its distribution among ministries and projects, and the proposed timelines for implementation. He mentioned that within 15 days, the ministry plans to prepare a comprehensive summary of the projects, in collaboration with sectoral bodies, to present to the World Bank for inclusion in the 2026 federal budget.