Iraqi business figures say Washington visit will boost economic ties with US

BAGHDAD, Iraq — Iraqi business leaders accompanying a government delegation to Washington said the visit would deepen economic cooperation and open new opportunities for the private sector. Businessman Khalil Abdulwahhab, who is traveling with the delegation, said the trip supports the government's vision of fighting corruption and expanding investment opportunities. Abdullah Jubouri, deputy head of the Private Sector Development Council, said new agreements, memorandums of understanding and contracts would be discussed during the visit, adding that there were positive signals and strong optimism on the US side. He said the government's economic plans include a 10-year strategy to develop the private sector and that new legislation is needed to support infrastructure work. Prime Minister Ali Falih al-Zaydi made his first foreign visit since taking office, traveling to the United States on Monday at the invitation of President Donald Trump. The visit aims to expand bilateral relations, economic partnership and development cooperation, and to increase the participation of American companies in Iraqi infrastructure projects. Energy, oil and gas, petrochemicals and manufacturing sectors are also expected to be on the agenda, according to the delegation.