Ministry of Planning: The World Bank is proceeding with opening a dedicated office in Baghdad.
The Ministry of Planning confirmed that the World Bank is proceeding with opening a special office in Baghdad, in a move that reflects the bank's support for the Iraqi government, noting that Iraq has taken excellent steps in terms of reforms, while the bank expressed its readiness to provide greater support in areas of joint cooperation.
A statement from the ministry, a copy of which was received by Al-Furat News, stated that: “This came during a joint meeting with the World Bank team to discuss new projects in the current year’s budget 2026, within the framework of strengthening joint development cooperation between the two sides, in the presence of the World Bank’s Regional Director for the Middle East, Jean-Christophe Carré.”
Undersecretary for Technical Affairs Maher Hammad Johan said, “This meeting is an important step to frame the future relationship, whether at the level of the government or sectoral institutions, with the World Bank,” explaining that “the new projects were prepared in coordination with the various government institutions and ministries, especially the Ministry of Finance, in addition to the Prime Minister’s Office.”
He added, "The meeting was fruitful, during which the extent to which the Iraqi government can prepare its commitments to move forward under the umbrella of joint work with the World Bank was discussed, as well as which sectors will be targeted and the time limits for those projects." He explained that "higher authorities will be addressed regarding what the World Bank will provide in order to benefit from it in organizing priorities before proceeding with the new budget law."
Johan noted that "the World Bank is proceeding with opening a special office in Baghdad, which confirms the bank's support for the government, given that Iraq has taken excellent steps, and that they are ready to provide greater support in the field of joint cooperation with Iraq." link