Baghdad: Prime Minister Ali Falih Al-Zaidi on Friday affirmed that employees’ salaries are secured, noting that the government is seeking to export 8-10 million barrels per day.
According to Iraqi News Agency, Al-Zaidi made these remarks during a dialogue session at the eighth Baghdad Dialogue Conference, organized by the Iraqi Institute for Dialogue in Baghdad. He emphasized the establishment of alternative routes for oil exports and announced a forthcoming budget that outlines Iraq’s economic future. The 2024 budget will prioritize the electricity sector, focusing on generation, distribution, and transmission, alongside expanding solar energy usage.
Al-Zaidi highlighted reforms in domestic fuel consumption management, which are expected to generate financial savings of 17.8 trillion dinars annually. He stated that all political forces agree on the state’s control over weapons, with ongoing efforts to conclude this matter. Additionally, he assured that there are no plans for military confrontations, and the government remains committed to combating corruption with broad support.
The Prime Minister detailed plans to increase oil exports through various routes, including the Turkish port of Ceyhan, Baniyas, and Aqaba, and to enhance Iraq’s OPEC export quota. He stressed the importance of Iraq receiving a crude oil export quota appropriate to its population and reserves, emphasizing the focus on building the state and economy rather than just the government.
Al-Zaidi reaffirmed his commitment not to seek a second term, allowing future governments to benefit from current reform programs. He mentioned the establishment of a $100 billion development fund sourced from the central bank, public offerings, and international financial institutions, highlighting the need to support the private sector for development.
On regional matters, Al-Zaidi expressed Iraq’s transformation from a conflict zone to a bridge for dialogue, asserting its influential role in regional stability. He announced the imminent realization of the one million residential plots project, ensuring every eligible citizen receives a plot within three years.
The Prime Minister stressed the importance of state control over weapons to foster an investment-friendly environment. He indicated that the national investment commission would introduce residential land plots designed for future expansion.
Al-Zaidi also outlined plans to allocate agricultural land plots to agricultural engineers and veterinarians, along with offering loans. He confirmed that tax revenues would be collected in advance on imports to generate state revenue, with refundable amounts if transactions are not completed.
He announced reduced customs duties on certain goods to streamline revenue processes, adopting pre-audit procedures to prevent corruption through contract overpricing. Al-Zaidi emphasized Iraq’s integral role in the region and the strong desire for greater regional engagement.
Concluding, the Prime Minister projected Iraq’s trajectory towards becoming the most stable country in the region, poised for significant development and economic growth.