Trade Minister, ESCWA Discuss Support for SMEs in Iraq

Iraq's Ministry of Trade has held discussions with a delegation from the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia (ESCWA) Technology Centre for Entrepreneurship to explore joint mechanisms for empowering small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Iraq.

According to the Ministry's media office, Director General of the Private Sector Development Department, Malek Khalaf Al-Duraie, said the meeting focused on developing joint programmes to support entrepreneurs and startups, in line with the government's strategy to boost the private sector and create sustainable employment opportunities.

Al-Duraie noted that the department, under the direction of Minister of Trade Dr. Atheer Dawood Al-Ghurairi, is working to strengthen partnerships with international organisations and activate economic empowerment initiatives, especially for entrepreneurs and startups.

The ESCWA representative presented key initiatives supporting sustainable and artisanal businesses, confirming the organisation's readiness to cooperate with the Ministry on joint development programmes that foster SME growth and contribute to economic diversification.

The meeting forms part of the Ministry's broader efforts to expand cooperation with UN organisations in support of the Iraqi government's vision to build a diverse national economy and promote entrepreneurship.