Baghdad: Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani has reiterated the Iraqi government's commitment to bolstering the country's industrial sector to enhance production capabilities and combat unemployment. During the inauguration of the United Arab Food Industries Company Limited factories in Mahmoudiya District, south of Baghdad, Al-Sudani commended the company's management and workforce for their efforts and emphasized the government's readiness to facilitate further expansion.
According to National Iraqi News Agency, Prime Minister Al-Sudani underscored the importance of successful private sector ventures as partners in revitalizing the national economy. He highlighted that the factories employ 800 workers who receive benefits comparable to government employees, emphasizing the partnership's role in addressing unemployment. The Prime Minister noted a reduction in the unemployment rate to 13%, attributing it to the increased activity in the private sector and reforms such as the Retirement and Social Security Law, which aligns benefits between private and public sectors.
Al-Sudani also outlined the government's initiatives to review and amend regulations that may impede private sector activities. He mentioned the inclusion of private sector representatives in the Ministerial Economic Council's meetings, stressing the need for state assistance in infrastructure development to enable project launches.
The Prime Minister affirmed the government's dedication to supporting domestically manufactured goods, with 18% of product value invested for export. He emphasized the positive perception of products labeled 'Made in Iraq', which undergo rigorous inspection and quality control, contributing to economic growth and job creation.
Al-Sudani urged the industrial sector to actively partake in boosting production levels, assuring continued government support. He acknowledged the advancements in Iraqi factories, equipped with state-of-the-art machinery, and outlined the shared responsibility of the government and private sector in organizing and executing industrial endeavors.
During his visit, Al-Sudani toured the company's facilities, engaging with employees and receiving insights into the company's operations and challenges. The first phase of the project, covering pasta and noodle production, occupies 20% of the 123-dunam site, with an investment of 128 billion dinars. Plans are underway to expand the workforce to over 1,000 and explore export opportunities to neighboring countries.