Renewing the Iraqi-Japanese partnership with $11 billion in loans for vital projects and development policy
12/21/2024
The United Nations Development Program and the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) office in Iraq renewed their long-standing partnership to promote social and economic development in Iraq through funding from the Government of Japan and JICA.
This partnership, which has spanned more than fifteen years of cooperation with the Government of Iraq, reflects the strong commitment of the United Nations Development Programme and the Government of Japan/JICA to meet Iraq's need for basic services and an efficient, stable and reliable economic infrastructure, according to a JICA report seen by Shafaq News Agency.
He added that this partnership has contributed significantly to human and economic growth in Iraq, in line with Iraq's national development plans and programmes that focus on economic diversification, infrastructure modernisation and improving social services.
In support of reconstruction and development, Iraq has received 36 ODA loans from the Japanese government and the Japan International Cooperation Agency, totaling about US$11 billion. These loans include 34 loans for vital sector projects and two development policy loans.
This development assistance aims to support Iraq in achieving its sustainable development goals, with a focus on improving living conditions nationwide and restoring infrastructure to promote inclusive growth.
“JICA remains committed to addressing development challenges with the Government of Iraq through this impactful partnership with UNDP. This partnership provides comprehensive support to Iraqi officials to achieve international standards in project management, combining technical expertise, capacity development and development finance. All of this aims to improve livelihoods and promote sustainable development in the country,” said Hiroshi Suzuki, Chief Representative of JICA in Iraq. Under this renewed partnership agreement, and in line with the Iraq National Development Plan 2024-2028, UNDP continues to provide critical support to the Government of Iraq to facilitate the smooth implementation of key socio-economic projects financed by JICA ODA loans. This support includes coordination at senior level, fiduciary supervision, progress monitoring, technical assistance, knowledge sharing and capacity development. Furthermore, by enhancing transparency, accountability and adherence to international standards, the partnership ensures the successful implementation of these vital projects.
“This renewed partnership between UNDP and JICA highlights our shared commitment to supporting Iraq’s development goals, with a focus on infrastructure development, sustainable economic growth and human capital. Together, we aim to facilitate the successful implementation of vital projects that will not only rebuild Iraq’s infrastructure, but also enhance long-term socio-economic resilience and improve the lives of Iraqis across the country,” said UNDP Resident Representative in Iraq, Auke Lootsma.
This unique and renewed partnership underscores the benefits of effective trilateral cooperation in promoting prosperity, driving sustainable growth, and improving service delivery and infrastructure for a stable and prosperous Iraq. It also highlights the strong ownership by the Government of Iraq and serves as a model for impactful and sustainable partnerships that can contribute to long-term development in Iraq. LINK
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