Exclusive: Baghdad and Washington prepare to sign 18 agreements and establish a $1 trillion development fund
An informed source revealed on Tuesday that Iraq will sign more than 18 agreements with the United States in various fields, while noting that there are agreements ready that will be signed soon. Iraqeconomic analysis
The source told Shafaq News Agency that “Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi’s visit, which is considered historic as he is the first prime minister to be received with such warmth and attention, will lead to the signing of more than 18 partnership agreements in various fields, including politics, economy, industry, energy, oil, education, health, investment and armament, and that these agreements will strengthen the partnership between Iraq and the United States.”
He added that “Iraq is looking to establish a development fund in one of the American banks, not in the Federal Reserve Bank. According to initial data, the fund will be financed from the revenues of oil exported to the United States, in an amount of up to 500,000 barrels per day, which makes the value of the fund’s financing reach one trillion dollars, to finance investment projects and infrastructure projects, foremost among them electricity projects and other important projects.”
The source indicated that “there are agreements ready that have been finalized and discussed between the two sides, and they will be signed by the relevant officials and ministers accompanying Al-Zaidi with their American counterparts, which will constitute a positive step that reflects the strengthening of relations between the two countries.”
Earlier, US President Donald Trump announced that next week will see the announcement of a major oil partnership with Iraq, in addition to the conclusion of major trade deals.
Earlier, Al-Zaydi called on Iraqi businessmen in the United States, particularly members of the Christian community, to invest in the education, health and oil industries, and to participate in the reconstruction of the Nineveh Plain region.
Al-Zaidi arrived in the US capital, Washington, on Monday, at the head of a high-level delegation that included a number of ministers, officials, investors and business owners, for an official visit that will last for seven days.
Last month, Iraqi government spokesman Haider al-Aboudi announced that the cabinet had decided to establish a development fund project with international guarantees and contributions amounting to $150 billion to achieve economic stability through investment.
Shafaq.com