Finance Minister: Iraq is witnessing tangible progress in tax reform.
Finance Minister Taif Sami confirmed on Monday that Iraq is witnessing tangible progress in the field of tax reform, while pointing to the government’s commitment to developing the tax system in line with international standards. The Minister of Finance stated, in her speech during the Tax Conference for Economic Development and Investment Promotion, that “this conference confirms the state’s commitment, under the direct supervision of Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani and the Ministry of Finance, to developing the tax system in line with international standards, contributing to diversifying non-oil revenue sources and increasing the state’s financial resources.”
She added, “Over the past period, we have worked to implement the government program through a series of reforms and measures, including updating tax legislation and instructions, developing tax accounting mechanisms, protecting the state’s rights, and achieving social justice.”
She also noted that “the objectives of the National Reform Plan 2025-2030 are to boost domestic revenues with funding from the European Union and German organizations, review tax ceilings, expand electronic payment and collection services, and enhance financial inclusion. They also aim to identify obstacles to the effective implementation of tax policies and develop appropriate solutions, in line with the requirements of judicial oversight and sound financial management tools.”
She continued: “It also aims to stimulate economic legislation and investment activity in line with international transparency requirements, create an attractive and conducive business environment for the private sector, and improve the economic operating environment by increasing the efficiency of financial procedures, reducing red tape, encouraging start-up projects, and developing collection services using advanced electronic tax management systems to enhance citizen and investor confidence in financial institutions and reduce corruption.”
She also explained that “these efforts aim not only to increase public financial revenues, but also to build an attractive economic and investment environment based on transparency and fairness in achieving sustainable development and enhancing national economic stability.”
Sami also emphasized: “Over the past two years, we have achieved tangible progress on tax reform, as confirmed by the data and figures related to the growth of domestic revenues, which reflect the extent of the progress and achievements made.”
The Minister of Finance called on international partners, including financial institutions and international and regional organizations, to “effectively contribute to supporting the Iraqi tax reform plan by exchanging technical expertise and providing advisory, technical, and training support.” She noted that “your participation with us in this process will be safe and decisive in accelerating reform efforts and ensuring our adherence to international standards.”
The Minister of Finance concluded her remarks by emphasizing “the Ministry of Finance’s commitment to the path of financial and tax reform, in line with a national development vision and unlocking investment opportunities that benefit Iraq.”
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