Partnership for Progress in Iraq

Partnership for Progress in Iraq - 2004-04-02. What you read here is the official opinion of the U.S. government. The reconstruction of Iraq is a major task. The World Bank estimates that after decades of theft and mismanagement by Saddam Hussein's regime, Iraq needs between $55 to $60 billion to revive its economy. Mahdi al-Hafiz is the Minister of Planning in Iraq. He states that the most significant challenge is the legacy of the former regime—national debts amounting to billions of dollars. Another problem is a devastated economy. The U.S. has committed nearly $19 billion through the Partnership for Prosperity program, which is intended for the reconstruction of Iraq's infrastructure. By June 30, when Iraq regains its sovereignty, 55,000 Iraqis will be employed in jobs funded by the Partnership program. This program has awarded contracts to over 140 Iraqi-owned companies. Iraqis will work in construction and repair activities in the sectors of energy, water resources, transportation, and communications. Others will focus on improving security, health facilities, and schools. President George Bush states that the task of rebuilding a new Iraq is difficult but necessary, adding that while democracy takes root in Iraq, enemies of freedom will exert all their efforts to spread violence and terror. They seek to undermine the will of our country and our friends, but America will never be intimidated by thugs and killers. The murderers will fail, and the people of Iraq will live in freedom. Mahdi al-Hafiz, the Minister of Planning in Iraq, says that improving the country's economy will lead to a better and new Iraq. According to him, the Partnership for Prosperity program will help Iraq mitigate risks and limit the challenges facing the country.