Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia' al-Sudani has announced the launch of Iraq’s National Development Plan (2024-2028) during a ceremony held Saturday by the Ministry of Planning, in cooperation with Iraq's developmental partners, including the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the United States Agency for International Development (USAID).

In his speech, Sudani commended the efforts of the Ministry of Planning, other ministries, supporting entities, and international partners. 

He explained that the five-year development plan was approved by the Parliament, recognizing the importance of having a development plan with achievable goals. He emphasized the importance of adhering to the plan’s objectives to improve the lives of Iraqis.

Sudani pointed out that Iraq has experienced developmental stagnation since the 1980s due to wars, sanctions, and terrorism, resulting in gaps across all sectors.

He affirmed the commitment to revitalizing development and bridging those gaps. "The new plan aligns with the government’s targets and addresses both internal and external challenges," he said.

The plan also aims to achieve good governance and includes appropriate mechanisms for combating corruption and adopting transparency principles. 

It also prioritizes improving services across all sectors by accelerating the implementation of ongoing projects and initiating new developmental and service projects. 

Strategic projects have been launched to develop the oil and gas sector, stop waste, and rely on domestic capabilities and projects to secure petroleum products instead of importing them.

"Projects aligning with the 2030 Sustainable Development Vision have been initiated, including infrastructure, clean energy, the Development Road, the Faw Port, networks of roads and bridges, residential and industrial cities, and modern agriculture," Sudani stated. 

He also emphasized the role of the Kurdistan Region and local governments in achieving integration with governmental plans and working in a unified manner for the public interest.

The five-year development plan includes economic dimensions based on the philosophy of economic diversification. 

The Iraq Development Fund aims to create a comprehensive investment environment in the country. Sovereign guarantees have been provided to the private sector for establishing industrial and agricultural projects, giving it a significant role in development.

Efforts are underway to reform the banking and financial sectors, automate all economic and service activities, and govern governmental and service operations. 

The process of automating work at border crossings has begun, along with transitioning to electronic payments in all market and trade transactions. "The five-year development plan adopts comprehensive digital transformation and the use of electronic systems in all aspects of life," Sudani remarked.

Proper planning requires accurate and reliable data and indicators, which will be achieved through the general population and housing census scheduled for November 20. 

The government is making exceptional efforts to conduct the long-delayed census, with the Ministry of Planning and supporting entities having completed all necessary preparations. Iraqi families are encouraged to participate in the census and provide accurate data. 

"The purpose of the census is developmental, aiming to address negative aspects in all fields," Sudani said. He urged all state institutions to cooperate with the Ministry of Planning to ensure the success of the census project.

In addition, Muhammad Ali Tamim, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Planning, highlighted that the National Development Plan establishes a developmental path based on a different vision that relies on utilizing the available capabilities of the state and the private sector, acquiring knowledge in technical and scientific development, and building a social market economy system while adopting permanent reform policies and enhancing international cooperation paths.

Auke Lootsma, UNDP Iraq Resident Representative, stated, “the launch of the National Development Plan is a testament to the collaborative spirit of our partnership with the Ministry of Planning and USAID. 

“This plan will serve as a blueprint for Iraq’s future, and we are committed to supporting the Iraqi government in achieving these ambitious goals and ensuring a better future for all Iraqis,” the UNDP representative added.

Erin Mone-Marquez, USAID/Iraq’s Acting Mission Director, said that "USAID is proud to support the development and implementation of Iraq’s National Development Plan. Our partnership with the Ministry of Planning and UNDP is vital in driving these efforts forward to ensure that the benefits reach every corner of Iraq."