The economic adviser Samir al-Nusairi said on Wednesday that the decline in oil prices revealed the vulnerability of the Iraqi economy, especially in the non-oil sectors, especially the agricultural sector, pointing out that there is a big gap between the interest of the energy sector and non-oil sectors.
“The agricultural sector in Iraq has not contributed effectively to the gross domestic product, because there is no clear methodology and strategy to upgrade the non-oil productive sectors in line with the urgent need to move by diversifying the sources of revenues from dependence on oil to dependence on non-oil sectors, , Stressing the need for there to be interaction and coordination of strategic between these sectors vital to achieve food security on the one hand and raise growth rates on the other, and strengthen resources.
He added that “the agricultural sector is suffering from a lot of problems became clearer with the decline in oil prices, which was a key factor in detecting the great weakness experienced by the non-oil sectors, both direct investment or trade, did not achieve anything important as a result of the country’s political, economic and security conditions, On the failure to implement and activate the agricultural policies set out in the agricultural initiative for years, which affected the failure to achieve the required development of raising the share of the agricultural sector GDP, and therefore Iraq’s budget for 2017 was seeking to diversify sources of revenue and increase the air DAT and other sectors, including the agricultural sector. ”
Al-Nusseiri urged the concerned parties to adopt an agricultural strategy based on an analysis of the causes of failures in this sector since 2003 and to find serious solutions in partnership with the private sector in the management of the agricultural sector with the government providing the technical capabilities and supplies and fertilizers, (Cereals, fruits and vegetables) and the operation of all graduates of the faculties of agriculture unemployed and their share of the revenues achieved, to reach the economic and social goals in sustainable development, “noting that” increased participation of the private sector is an imperative, as well as Contributed by the relevant ministries, in financing the construction of agricultural infrastructure projects and promising processes to enhance the agricultural economy on its feet again and keep pace with developments on the scene variables and supports economic growth. ”
“The development pathways must start from the agricultural sector, which has fast and real development, and the agricultural sector is able to raise its contribution to the GDP. Encourage Iraqi and Arab investors to invest in the agricultural sector in light of the great potential they enjoy, and the availability of all the requirements for the success of companies wishing to establish projects either individually or in partnership with Iraqi investors, and to emphasize that investment in the agricultural sector For the Iraqis will help achieve Arab integration in terms of food security and will increase growth rates and provide more jobs. “
