Iraqi Prime Minister Ali Falih al‑Zaidi will pay an official visit to the United States, bringing with him a delegation of business leaders, private‑sector representatives and banking officials, in an effort to boost investment and deepen economic ties with Washington.
Al‑Zaidi announced the trip during a meeting with business leaders, members of private‑sector development bodies, representatives of the Iraqi Economic Council and heads of private banks. He said the inclusion of private‑sector figures reflects the government’s focus on expanding joint investment opportunities and building stronger partnerships with international stakeholders.
The visit comes as Iraq seeks to attract foreign investment and diversify its oil‑dependent economy, while also balancing its relationships with global partners.
Energy cooperation, particularly in oil and gas development, as well as infrastructure investment, is expected to feature prominently in discussions with U.S. counterparts. Officials are also likely to explore concrete agreements and partnerships aimed at boosting economic growth and job creation.
Al‑Zaidi described the private sector as a key partner in the government’s development agenda, stressing that Baghdad is committed to supporting business activity and addressing investor concerns. He reiterated the government’s pledge to combat corruption and extortion, positioning reform efforts as central to improving Iraq’s investment climate.
The prime minister also announced plans to establish a development fund to support private‑sector projects, backed by a $10 billion contribution from the Central Bank of Iraq. He said citizens would be able to subscribe to the fund, with profits exempt from taxes, in a bid to encourage broader participation in economic growth.
The planned visit underscores Iraq’s push to present itself as a more competitive destination for international business, as the government faces mounting pressure to deliver jobs and reduce reliance on oil revenues. A date has not yet been announced, but it will be the first official foreign visit since al-Zaidi was elected on 1 May 2026.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has said Israeli forces will not withdraw from Gaza until Hamas is fully disarmed, rejecting key elements of...
A deal on a new route for vessels through the Strait of Hormuz is "very close," Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has said, while warning that t...
Global food commodity prices rose in July to their highest level since January 2023, driven by higher cereal, sugar and vegetable oil prices, accordin...
An agreement between Iran and the U.S. to reopen the Strait of Hormuz is expected "soon," a U.S. official has said. The deal would result in the resumption of commercial shipping through the sea passage and the lifting of an American naval blockade on Iranian ports.
Start your day informed with AnewZ Morning Brief. Here are the top news stories for the 8th of August, covering the latest developments.
A deal on a new route for vessels through the Strait of Hormuz is "very close," Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has said, while warning that the reopening of the waterway depends on the U.S. meeting other conditions, including paying compensation to Iran.
Start your day informed with AnewZ Morning Brief. Here are the top news stories for the 9th of August, covering the latest developments.
Typhoon Dolphin lashed Japan’s southern Okinawa prefecture on Saturday, injuring six people, disrupting flights and leaving more than 50,000 buildings without power, as China shut ports and suspended transport services ahead of the storm’s expected arrival on its east coast.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has said Israeli forces will not withdraw from Gaza until Hamas is fully disarmed, rejecting key elements of U.S. President Donald Trump’s latest plan for the territory.
Global food commodity prices rose in July to their highest level since January 2023, driven by higher cereal, sugar and vegetable oil prices, according to the UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO).
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said Ukraine is increasingly penetrating Russia's air-defence network, as both sides stepped up overnight strikes on energy, logistics and port infrastructure.
Türkiye has started restricting commercial ship traffic into the Black Sea due to the government's increasing concern about a surge in Russian and Ukrainian attacks on ships, Bloomberg News has reported, citing unnamed sources.
Taiwan’s cabinet is set to propose a 16 per cent annual increase in defence spending for 2027, taking the total above T$1 trillion ($31 billion) for the first time, according to the official Central News Agency.
You can download the AnewZ application from Play Store and the App Store.
What is your opinion on this topic?
Leave the first comment