Iraq Participates:
Iraq’s Minister of Finance, Taif Sami Mohammed, along with the Deputy Governor of the Central Bank of Iraq (CBI) and their accompanying delegation, participated in the annual meetings of the World Bank Group and the International Monetary Fund (IMF), held in Washington from 13th to 18th October 2025. The meetings focused on global economic challenges, financial stability, and sustainable development.
During the event, Minister Sami met with World Bank Executive Director Abdulaziz Al-Mulla to discuss Iraq’s economic situation and the Bank’s role in supporting Iraq’s reform agenda, including revenue enhancement, expenditure control, digitalisation, and infrastructure and energy projects.
She also met with Ricardo, Vice President for Private Sector Affairs, to discuss International Finance Corporation (IFC) projects in Iraq, including work on Baghdad International Airport, gas processing with Basra Gas Company, and international trade finance. Discussions highlighted ways to overcome investment barriers and support the private sector, particularly in agriculture and industry.
The delegation also held a high-level meeting with Ousmane Dione, World Bank Vice President for the Middle East and North Africa, to review Iraq’s project portfolio, including railways and highways, as well as upcoming infrastructure and human capital initiatives. They agreed to align Iraq’s priorities with the Bank’s 2026 support plan and address payment delays from the 2025 budget shortfall.
In a separate session chaired by IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva, Minister Sami presented Iraq’s “Vision 2050,” outlining plans to diversify the economy, reduce oil dependency, modernise tax and customs systems, and advance digital transformation.
The meetings also addressed Iraq’s collaboration with the IMF on improving fiscal management, unifying the treasury account, and providing technical assistance for customs, taxation, and social security reform.
Minister Sami further discussed economic growth prospects with Jihad Azour, Director of the IMF’s Middle East and Central Asia Department, who reaffirmed the IMF’s commitment to supporting Iraq’s financial and monetary reforms.
These annual meetings bring together finance ministers, central bank governors, private sector executives, and civil society representatives to discuss key global issues including economic growth, poverty reduction, and sustainable development.
