Baghdad: The Ministry of Planning, in cooperation with the World Bank, has launched the National Strategy for Capacity Building and Professionalism in Government Contracting, which will span from 2025 to 2029. This initiative aims to enhance the efficiency, transparency, and accountability of government contracting processes.

According to National Iraqi News Agency, during an expanded workshop organized by the Ministry, Hana Ibrahim Ismail, the Undersecretary for Administrative Affairs, emphasized the strategy’s objective of developing the contracting system to manage public funds more effectively. This goal will be achieved by training specialized and certified personnel, alongside developing the legal and legislative framework, which will, in turn, bolster citizens’ confidence in state institutions.

Majed Al-Bayya, the World Bank Regional Director for the Middle East and North Africa, highlighted that capacity development in public procurement is a strategic tool for implementing state policies across various fields. He stressed the importance of partnering with Iraq to achieve optimal results in this endeavor.

Thamer Awad Al-Saeedi, the Director General of Public Government Contracts at the Ministry, noted that the strategy is based on two main tracks. The first is a short-term track, set to conclude by the end of 2027, focusing on developing the legal framework and conducting comprehensive training programs. The second is a medium-term track, extending until 2029, aimed at consolidating institutional professionalism within the government contracting function.

The workshop concluded with participants stressing the importance of involving the private sector, civil society organizations, and the media to ensure the required integration and coordination in this vital sector. Key attendees included Advisor to the Ministry of Planning Ali Al-Mubarqa, Chairman of the General Authority for Statistics Diaa Awad Kazim, Deputy Chairman Makki Al-Mohammadi, and several general managers.