First Steering Committee Meeting for the Project "Towards More and Better Employment through Enhanced Support to Private Sector in Southern Iraq – with a Focus on Green Business"

In a strong show of collaboration, the Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs (MOLSA), the International Labour Organization (ILO), the representatives of the Italian Embassy and the Italian Agency for Development Cooperation (AICS), and a coalition of partners held the inaugural Steering Committee meeting for the project "Towards More and Better Employment through Enhanced Support to Private Sector in Southern Iraq – with a Focus on Green Business." Chaired by Director General of the labour and vocational training directorate, Mr. Osama Majid Al-Khafaji, the meeting brought together key stakeholders committed to promoting sustainable private sector development and decent work opportunities in Southern Iraq. 

The meeting included the Head of the Parliamentary Labour Committee, Mrs. Nahida Al-Daini; ILO Country Coordinator in Iraq, Dr. Maha Kattaa; and the Head of the Economic and Development Cooperation Office at the Italian Embassy, Mrs. Rosamaria Genovese, alongside a delegation from AICS. Partners represented at the meeting included representatives from the Ministries of Trade, Industry, and Environment; the Federation of Iraqi Industries; the Federation of Iraqi Chambers of Commerce; the Muthanna and Basra Chambers of Industry; the Iraqi Company for Bank Guarantees; the Higher Council for Youth; and youth leaders focused on environmental and developmental issues, reflecting the breadth of collaboration that supports the project. 

Mr. Al-Khafaji highlighted that the project is a key component of the Iraqi government’s initiative to generate employment opportunities for youth and reduce unemployment. He emphasized the importance of improving policies in favor of small and medium enterprises, expanding financial inclusion, and enhancing skill development. Mr. Al-Khafaji noted that collaboration between the Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs, the International Labour Organization, and Italy through the Italian Agency for Development Cooperation and its partners is essential to create a resilient and prosperous economic environment in Iraq. He underscored the need to establish a mechanism for guaranteeing loans for income-generating projects, following the same approach the project intends to implement with private banks through the Iraqi Company for Bank Guarantees. 

Dr. Maha Kattaa from ILO stressed the alignment of this project with Iraq’s National Decent Work Programme, stating, “This project, which integrates green business promotion with private sector development, embodies our shared commitment with the Iraqi government to foster economic growth and create decent job opportunities. Our focus on ‘decent work’ stems from the belief that every individual has the right to a work environment that respects their rights, ensures job security, and offers equal opportunities. Such a project is a vital component of broader efforts under Iraq's National Decent Work Programme, which we signed alongside the government, employers, and labour unions to promote dignified and equitable working conditions.”

Mrs. Rosamaria Genovese, Head of the Economic and Development Cooperation Office at the Italian Embassy, reaffirmed Italy’s commitment to supporting Iraq's journey towards economic resilience, green business growth, and sustainable development, in partnership with ILO and the Iraqi government. “This project represents one more step towards a more inclusive and thriving Iraq, fostering the growth of a conducive business environment for the private sector, starting with small and new entrepreneurs, especially in southern Iraq. Italy attaches great importance to this project and expects a positive influence in the socio-economic, prosperity and environmental aspects of the lives of the Iraqi people”.

Additionally, Mr. Raed Jabbar, Director General of the Planning and Follow-up Department at the Disability and Special Needs Commission, provided valuable recommendations on creating a more inclusive environment for entrepreneurs with disabilities (PWDs). He emphasized the importance of tailored support to ensure equitable access to training, resources, and financial services for PWD entrepreneurs, helping them overcome unique business challenges.

Amaal Bani Awwad, the ILO Project Manager, presented an overview of the project's progress over the first year, detailing achievements in supporting SMEs, promoting green business initiatives, and enhancing financial inclusion in southern Iraq. She also outlined the challenges faced, including regulatory hurdles, limited financial access for SMEs.

The committee discussed the need for stronger coordination with local and governmental entities, emphasizing the importance of adaptive strategies to address these barriers. They also explored strategies to facilitate the registration of small and medium enterprises and to overcome regulatory obstacles to formalization. Additionally, the committee examined financial and administrative support mechanisms for these businesses, aimed at enhancing their sustainability and contributions to Iraq's local economy.

The committee agreed to hold regular consultation meetings to ensure continuous progress, adapt to challenges, and foster collaboration among stakeholders. This inaugural meeting concluded with strategic action items designed to align the project’s objectives with Iraq’s national economic and social development goals, laying a foundation for impactful and sustainable outcomes.