Baghdad: The Ministry of Planning held a joint meeting today with the World Bank team to discuss proposals for financing new projects targeting priority areas in Iraq, as part of efforts to strengthen developmental cooperation between the two sides.

According to National Iraqi News Agency, Deputy Minister for Technical Affairs Maher Hamad Johan stated that the meeting represented an important step toward establishing a framework for future relations with the World Bank at both the government and sectoral ministry levels. This framework aims to ensure effective management of development across various sectors. Johan highlighted that previous cooperation with the World Bank had been successful in implementing most projects. The discussions, attended by representatives of relevant ministries, resulted in collaboration in sectors such as water resources, agriculture, Baghdad Municipality services in water, sewage, and environment, as well as electricity, transport, reconstruction, and housing.

World Bank Middle East Country Director Emmanuel Salinas noted that the meetings addressed several projects, including the approved Expressway No. (2) project, a project in the electricity sector, and an air quality improvement project for Baghdad’s environment. Additionally, discussions included a water sector project and proposals for agricultural initiatives. The Bank introduced a project to develop cities as engines for development and growth, alongside the ‘Transformative Investments’ project aimed at making Baghdad more attractive for investment, with possibilities of applying it to other Iraqi cities.