5 days ago
Review of National Policy to Develop MSMEs in Iraq
By John Lee.
The Iraqi Ministry of Planning held a workshop on August 7, 2025, to review and discuss the final draft of the National Policy for the Development of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) .
This policy is set to be adopted as a key national document supporting this vital sector, with ongoing technical support from the International Labour Organization (ILO) under a programme launched in July 2024.
Dr. Hanaa Ismail Al-Asadi, Administrative Undersecretary at the Ministry, emphasised the policy's role as a foundational pillar for sustainable economic growth, job creation, and empowering vulnerable groups to enter the labour market. She affirmed the ministry's commitment to a comprehensive reform path providing institutional, legislative, and financial tools to enable MSMEs to expand, contributing to national economic development.
Dr. Sabah Jundi Mansour, Director General of Economic and Financial Policies at the Ministry, noted that workshop feedback will be integrated into the final document, which will then be submitted for official approval.
Dr. Maha Qataat, ILO's National Coordinator, highlighted that the policy development is based on social dialogue involving the government, employers, and workers. She pointed out ILO-supported initiatives such as "Start and Improve Your Business," financial literacy, and green project support, funded by the Italian Development Cooperation Agency (AICS).
Mr. Raimondo Bono, Humanitarian Programmes Director at the Italian Agency, stated that backing this policy aligns with building an inclusive, resilient economy that enhances MSMEs, especially in rural areas, by creating sustainable jobs and protecting the environment through training and policy development.
Dr. Qusay Al-Jabiri, a member of the policy drafting committee, presented the technical rationale, challenges facing MSMEs, preparation mechanisms, main themes, strategic objectives, and proposed overlaps.
The workshop featured two interactive sessions where participants discussed alternative policy options, set implementation priorities, and allocated institutional roles to ensure successful national application.
Participants included officials from the Ministry of Planning, representatives from relevant ministries and government bodies, private sector stakeholders, business associations, and civil society organisations.
(Source: Ministry of Planning)
