Iraq's Finance Minister, Faleh Al-Sari, on Sunday, discussed with a high-level World Bank delegation, led by Regional Director Jean-Christophe Carret, mechanisms for technical support essential for preparing the state's general budget and enhancing comprehensive economic reforms. Informed sources stated that Minister
Al-Sari received the delegation, which also included the Special Representative for the mission in Iraq, Emmanuel Salinas, to discuss prospects for technical and institutional cooperation and ways to support Baghdad's financial and economic reform priorities. The meeting delved into cooperation mechanisms
with the World Bank in providing advisory support and technical expertise for drafting the upcoming year's general budget, aiming to enhance the efficiency of financial planning, account for government spending priorities, and support the state's financial sustainability amidst current economic
challenges. For his part, Minister Al-Sari affirmed that the Ministry of Finance is committed to moving forward with implementing a package of structural financial reforms. These reforms focus on developing public financial management, enhancing non-oil revenue sources, and modernizing and developing
banking, tax, and customs systems, in alignment with the government's program objectives. He emphasized the crucial importance of optimally leveraging international expertise and technical support provided by the World Bank, especially in vital areas such as institutional capacity building, formulating effective
financial policies, and supporting development projects that stimulate investment. The World Bank delegation, in turn, reiterated the international institution's support for the Iraqi government in its efforts to implement financial and economic reform programs and provide necessary technical advice, thereby contributing
to solidifying financial stability and achieving sustainable development goals.
