Berlin: Secretary-General of the Council of Ministers Hamid Al-Ghazi on Tuesday said that the Prime Minister’s visit to the German capital, Berlin, included discussions on a number of issues, foremost among them strengthening economic partnerships between Iraq and Germany in the fields of energy, industry, transport and digital transformation.
According to Iraqi News Agency, Al-Ghazi stated that the Berlin visit involved multiple meetings where the Prime Minister engaged with the German President, the German Chancellor, and the German Chamber of Commerce. The discussions emphasized economic partnerships, particularly focusing on sectors such as energy, including oil and electricity, and industry, with a specific interest in pharmaceutical manufacturing and establishing medical cities.
The discussions also extended to the transport sector, specifically the Development Road project, and the digital transformation agenda. Iraq has initiated steps in developing infrastructure for digital transformation and is w
orking towards setting up a national data center. Al-Ghazi highlighted that several ministries have started implementing automation using local personnel, except for a few that have partnerships with renowned companies.
He further explained that Germany’s technological prowess, underscored by leading companies like SAP, was a focal point of the discussions. The Prime Minister extended an invitation to major German companies to enter the Iraqi market to transfer technology and expertise. The ongoing global shift towards digital transformation in various sectors makes this field essential, especially as Iraq is striving to catch up with regional counterparts.
Al-Ghazi emphasized that digital transformation could simplify procedures, reduce bureaucracy, and increase state revenues, ultimately enhancing citizen satisfaction. The Prime Minister underscored the importance of leveraging Germany’s technological advancements within the Iraqi market, with major German companies showing interest in entering the market
.
During the meetings, the Prime Minister instructed that the entry of German businesspeople into Iraq should be facilitated without any delays. Al-Ghazi also addressed the impact of regional developments and the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, noting that Europe is significantly affected, with Iraq being among the most impacted in the region.
Germany’s economy, affected by the Russian-Ukrainian conflict, particularly faced challenges with fuel price hikes leading to substantial layoffs. In discussions with the German Chancellor, the Prime Minister proposed German involvement in a crude oil transportation pipeline project and developing alternative fuel transport routes to bolster the strategic economic partnership between Iraq and Germany.
The proposal includes laying pipelines along the Development Road, benefiting both countries by enhancing productivity and facilitating fuel delivery to Germany. Concerning the direct air route between Baghdad and Berlin, Al-Ghazi mentioned the Prime Minister’s directi
ve to exempt contracts with international experts and consultants, coordinating with the Civil Aviation Authority and the Ministry of Transport to address the International Civil Aviation Organization’s observations.
Al-Ghazi added that partnerships with international airlines are being considered to resume direct flights, linked to granting landing privileges at Baghdad Airport to a foreign carrier. The Ministry of Transport is actively engaged in this task, having an agreement with an airline from the Sultanate of Oman, as the Prime Minister closely monitors efforts to lift the ban and fulfill the requirements set by the International Civil Aviation Organization concerning Iraqi Airways.