Iraqi Prime Minister to Seek US Investment and Increase Oil Exports

BAGHDAD, Iraq — Prime Minister Ali Falih Zidi will travel to the United States with a delegation of business leaders to establish strategic partnerships with major American companies. The visit aims to address chronic development and service issues through industrial and infrastructure investments. As part of his economic vision, Zidi proposes increasing Iraq's daily oil exports to the US market to 500,000 barrels. In exchange, the Iraqi government seeks technical partnerships and investments from leading US firms in the electricity, industry, agriculture, and infrastructure sectors. Government sources stated that the planned agreements will operate under specific financial rules and timelines to ensure revenues are directed toward large-scale service and development projects. These partnerships are intended as a cornerstone of a reform program to improve the economy and develop tourism. Prime Minister Zidi identified the private sector as a primary partner in the economic reform process. He also announced the continuation of the 'Development Fund' project, which will be launched with an initial contribution of $10 billion from the Central Bank of Iraq.