Iraqi Prime Minister Ali Faleh al-Zaidi stated that he will visit the United States to boost joint investments, pledging a strengthened partnership with the private sector to drive economic reform, and announcing a $10 billion, Central Bank-backed Development Fund and a push for anti-corruption measures.

Al-Zaidi convened a high-level meeting with business leaders, members of the Board for the Development of the Private Sector, the Iraqi Economic Council, and private bank chairs, alongside senior cabinet officials.

Open-Door Policy and Reforms to Empower Private Sector 

Al-Zaidi emphasized the administration's commitment to an open-door policy, welcoming private-sector proposals and actionable solutions to business challenges.

“The government is counting on cooperation with the private sector to ensure the success of its economic and development reform efforts,” he added.

Al-Zaidi also reaffirmed the government's determination to combat corruption, urging businesses to reject extortion and report institutional obstructions directly to his office.

“We have directed a review of all laws and decisions that do not facilitate economic growth and that impede the expansion of partnership with the private sector,” he affirmed.

One-Million Plot Housing Initiative and $10B Development Fund 

The prime minister invited the private sector to collaborate on infrastructure and economic models for a one-million residential plot initiative aimed at ensuring housing for every propertyless citizen.

“Our criteria for prioritizing private-sector entities are tax compliance, the size of their workforce and their inclusion in the social security system, and the scale of their contribution to social benefits,” he noted.

Al-Zaidi directed the removal of tax compliance obstacles and conflicting regulations to safeguard public funds.

He stated that the tax-exempt Development Fund will finance new local factories to meet Iraqi market needs. He added that the government has allocated one trillion dinars monthly to settle business dues, with increases expected as oil exports stabilize.

Al-Zaidi to Lead Business Delegation on Upcoming U.S. Visit 

Regarding his visit to the United States, al-Zaidi highlighted that, “we will be accompanied by a number of business leaders to expand opportunities for mutual and joint investment.”