Baghdad: The Ministry of Planning held a comprehensive technical meeting on Monday to review projects financed by World Bank loans, with participation from World Bank representatives and relevant sectoral entities. The meeting aimed to assess ongoing projects and explore ways to enhance the quality of implementation.

According to National Iraqi News Agency, Deputy Minister of Planning for Technical Affairs, Maher Hammad Johhan, highlighted the importance of regular engagements with the World Bank, especially as several projects near completion. He pointed out the challenges in securing funding amid increasing pressures, notably in the water and climate change sectors, and emphasized the necessity to improve the effectiveness of World Bank loan implementation to address existing service gaps.

World Bank Special Representative to Iraq, Emmanuel Salinas, explained that the review is centered on evaluating the project portfolio to verify the quality of results achieved, identify completed components, and determine outstanding requirements before project closing dates. Salinas stressed the need to speed up implementation and showcase achieved successes.

Meanwhile, Sophie Nadeau, Operations Manager for Development Effectiveness at the World Bank Group, stated that the review is a comprehensive assessment aimed at accelerating delivery and improving outcomes. The focus is on strengthening implementation, addressing financial challenges, and considering the needs of beneficiaries.

The meeting covered several key projects, including emergency development operations, improvements in water supply and sanitation in Baghdad, Basra electricity distribution and development, the Social Fund for Development, and the expansion and modernization of Iraq’s railway network. This discussion involved relevant ministries, and implementing and oversight bodies.