Jan 7 2016

Prime Minister Dr. Haider Al-Abadi warned that some are trying to destroy every positive step in the country, adding that the country faces a serious challenge along with terrorism, that of lower oil prices, but the collapse of these prices will empower us and push us to act in a positive manner, which we began by encouraging industry and reducing government expenditures and accelerating the reform measures.

He said, during a meeting with the private sector delegation from the Economic Organizations for Investment and Reconstruction, that we are serious in forming a partnership between the private and the public sector, but we suffer from a problem that change does not only mean a change in the laws but to change the stereotyped thinking and this requires cooperation to overcome.

Dr. Al-Abadi called for the activation of the one stop shop in investment and for it to be properly implemented through specialised plans to reach the goal in the quickest manner.

Dr. Al-Abadi lamented the decline in palm tree cultivation in the country, pointing to the importance of work to activate the steps that would put palm tree cultivation in the right direction, noting also the need to activate tourism and create a safe and healthy environment for it as there is a tremendous heritage in Iraq and it is necessary to draw the attention of the world to it.

Prime Minister's Media Office

7 January 2016