Baghdad: Iraq is in talks with the World Bank for a loan to finance crucial projects to develop the electricity grid. Electricity Minister Ali Saadi Wahib met on Wednesday with the World Bank’s Country Manager for Iraq, Emmanuel Salinas Mu±oz, and his accompanying delegation to discuss priority projects proposed for inclusion in the new loan.

According to National Iraqi News Agency, the ministry stated in a press release that “the meeting included a review of the status of projects implemented under the current loan, as well as discussions on priority projects to address bottlenecks in the electricity transmission system, improve network efficiency, and enhance its capacity to deliver power to demand centers.”

The statement added that “the meeting also discussed projects related to gas supplies and the Gulf electrical interconnection. The minister emphasized the importance of directing funding towards projects with a direct impact on developing the electricity sector’s infrastructure, thereby contributing to increased system efficiency and improved supply levels.”