On July 24, 2024, the Institute of Regional and International Studies (IRIS) hosted a policy roundtable discussion at the Baghdad Business School (BBS) headquarters titled “Enhancing the Local Economy in Iraq.” The discussion featured Dr. Mudhir Mohammed, Finance Advisor from the Prime Minister’s Office; Dr. Adnan Al-Zurfi and Mr. Soran Omer, members of the Finance Committee in the Iraqi Parliament; and IRIS Fellow Maryam Al-Lami. The session was moderated by IRIS Senior Fellow Dr. Zmkan Saleem.
The discussion covered several key topics, including the reassessment of local economic policies following the approval of the 2023-2025 triennial budget and the reactivation of provincial councils. Participants examined the role of provincial councils in the general budget, focusing on their involvement in setting economic policies and overseeing expenditures. The roundtable also explored how local government formations can enhance the oversight functions of provincial councils and assessed the impact of general budget allocations on local economies, particularly in terms of increasing employment opportunities, improving infrastructure, and promoting equity across the country.
The outcomes of this roundtable will be published in upcoming editions of the "Iraq Economic Review," a quarterly research publication issued by the Institute of Regional and International Studies (IRIS) at the American University of Iraq, Sulaimani.
