Regional Studies Center

Regional Studies Center held a lecture titled “A Proposed Framework for a Smart Iraqi Economy,” delivered by Prof. Dr. Mithaq Khairallah Jaloud, the Center’s director, on November 6, 2024. The lecture discussed ways to achieve a sustainable, smart, and effective economic transformation in Iraq based on advanced strategies and efficiency in resource investment.
The lecture included several main themes, including that Iraq should be an exporter of oil products by developing advanced oil industries so that refined and value-added oil products are exported instead of relying solely on the export of crude oil, to increase revenues and achieve economic stability. Encouraging industries that rely on locally available primary resources, such as the sulfur industry’s reliance on Al-Mashraq sulfur resources, contributes to diversifying industrial production, increasing employment opportunities, and maximizing the use of national resources. In addition to the trade sector’s use of comparative advantage by building a flexible trade sector based on exploiting Iraq’s comparative advantage as a strategic location, the flexibility includes facilitating import and export operations to provide sustainable trade opportunities, thus enhancing Iraq’s position as a trade center in the region. Implementing a smart customs system that speeds up customs clearance processes, reduces time and material costs, strengthens control, and reduces corruption, making the customs sector more efficient and transparent. Developing a strategic plan based on marketing Iraq’s historical, cultural, and natural heritage to attract tourists from around the world, especially with a focus on religious and cultural tourism.
The lecture concluded with recommendations calling on the Iraqi government to adopt smart and advanced policies aimed at developing these various sectors to promote economic stability and provide sustainable job opportunities.