Dr. Ali Abdul Rahim Al-Aboudi / Researcher in Political Economy Affairs, College of Political Science, Al-Nahrain University
Discussing industrial projects in a country implies a high level of productive thinking, given the crucial role the industrial sector plays in supporting and stimulating the national economy. Governments worldwide have made concerted efforts to support industrial projects within their borders, including those in countries neighboring Iraq. These governments have implemented various strategies—diverse in approach but similar in objectives—to support companies investing in industrial projects. For example, at the beginning of 2021, the government of the United Arab Emirates launched a major initiative known as the “300 Billion Dirham Project.” This project aims to boost investment across all industrial sectors, with the goal of increasing the industry’s contribution to the gross domestic product to 300 billion dirhams by 2031.Similarly, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has introduced several initiatives to support its industrial sector, notably by establishing the Saudi Industrial Development Fund (SIDF) to back industrial projects across the Kingdom.
In response to this regional and international trend, the Iraqi government has recognized the importance of developing its industrial sector and has followed the example of other countries by joining the race to strengthen national industries. The government program of the current Prime Minister, Mohammed Shia al-Sudani, places significant emphasis on developing the industrial sector and supporting the private sector in investing in national industries. As part of this program, the Prime Minister’s Office formed a special committee tasked with developing project lending mechanisms and controls—challenges that are among the most significant facing private enterprise support in Iraq.
Accordingly, this research paper examines the recommendations of the Diwani Order Committee (24709 of 2024) regarding the mechanisms and controls for supporting industrial projects. However, before delving into these recommendations, it is essential to first address the current environment of the industrial sectors in Iraq.
