Iraq-US Business Council head says outcomes of PM's Washington visit will be implemented quickly

BAGHDAD, Iraq — The head of the Iraq-US Business Council, Usama al-Kureishi, said the political and economic agreements reached during Iraqi Prime Minister Ali ez-Zeydi's visit to Washington will be translated into practice in the short term, according to a statement carried by Iraqi media. Al-Kureishi described Zeydi as a business figure who has successfully managed his own companies and investments, adding that the economy must move in parallel with politics. Al-Kureishi said previous Iraqi visits to the United States had not fully capitalized on available opportunities, with companies failing to make adequate use of matching programs and support. He stressed that the current visit needs to be converted into concrete gains for both countries, pointing to a broad reform agenda covering health, education, transportation, housing, industry, and the restructuring of the army and security forces. Referring to the Karbala refinery, which he said employs more than 20,000 engineers, technicians and accountants, al-Kureishi said bankrupt and outdated state enterprises should be privatized or risk continuing to be a burden on the government. He also called on Iraqi youth to adopt a culture of private-sector work and invest in self-development. No further details on the timing or specific deliverables of the Washington visit were provided.