Baghdad: The Head of the National Wisdom Movement, Ammar al-Hakim, welcomed a delegation of businessmen and representatives from American companies, alongside Iraqi businessmen, as part of the Iraqi-American business community initiatives.

According to National Iraqi News Agency, during the meeting, al-Hakim highlighted the extensive nature of the Strategic Framework Agreement with the United States, which covers security, economic, and cultural dimensions. He noted that external circumstances have confined the agreement to a limited scope and criticized the exaggeration of negative perceptions regarding Iraq, which he believes undermines confidence in the country’s democratic system.

Al-Hakim pointed out that Iraq is a significant regional and global player due to its open markets, strategic location, and rich history. He stressed the need for a genuine partnership with the United States, advocating for empowerment through manufacturing, assembly, and distribution rather than reliance on loans and temporary aid. He highlighted Iraq’s dismantling of terrorist cells and enhanced security, which he believes provides a stable environment for business.

He underscored the necessity for economic diversification beyond Iraq’s rentier economy, urging foreign companies to contribute to sectors such as agriculture, industry, tourism, investment, and technology. He also called for a change in economic relations between Iraqi and foreign companies, emphasizing Iraq’s ongoing development and project launches.

Al-Hakim proposed the establishment of joint assembly plant initiatives in various industries, including agriculture and oil, and suggested twinning between companies to share success stories and encourage collaboration. He advocated for a joint technical training center to boost productivity and workforce development, as well as a digital platform to facilitate investment opportunities and legislative information.

To foster further cooperation, al-Hakim recommended the enhancement of the US-Iraq Business Council and the chambers of commerce, alongside granting agencies to Iraqi partners and creating direct communication channels. He also urged the Iraqi government to issue an investor card providing certain privileges to encourage investment in Iraq.