Baghdad: The Ministry of Planning is actively engaging in discussions to prioritize projects by ministries and non-ministerial entities through the utilization of international loans. This initiative is part of the government’s strategy to bolster investment projects and manage loans under various international agreements.

According to National Iraqi News Agency, the discussions were spearheaded by Dr. Maher Hammad Johaan, the Undersecretary for Technical Affairs, during a meeting held on Sunday. The focus was on evaluating the plans of various ministries and non-ministerial entities concerning both ongoing and new international loans. These loans are integral to projects under the Iraqi-Chinese Framework Agreement, among other international commitments.

A ministry statement revealed that the Sectoral Planning and Government Investment Programs Departments convened with representatives from ministries, non-ministerial entities, and spending units. The primary agenda was to discuss financial allocations for the upcoming fiscal year’s budget, which includes international loans for investment projects. Additionally, loans under the Iraqi-Turkish Framework Agreement, as well as from the World Bank, the European Investment Bank, and other international sources, were examined.

The meeting also addressed the specific needs and requirements of these entities regarding the loans, highlighting several significant observations related to their requirements and the spending plans for the 2027 budget allocations. The meeting saw participation from representatives of ministries and non-ministerial entities, department heads, division leaders, and several staff members from relevant departments within the Ministry of Planning.