Zain's Iraq CEO calls for private sector to increase role in Iraq economy during Dubai summit

The event was hosted by the Iraq Development Programme and included keynote speeches and presentations from Iraqi Ministers and US Government officials.

Supportive of the government of HE the Prime Minister, Nouri Al Maliki, key note speaker, Ali AL Dahwi, CEO of Zain in Iraq, called for the Iraqi and US governments to further facilitate and provide incentives for the private sector to play a leading, stronger and more influential role in the areas where economic development has been held back.

Citing the mobile telecommunications business as a private sector success case, Al Dahwi commented, "Look at what we have managed to achieve! Under very challenging circumstances, our company alone contributes to the Iraqi economy more than $250m annually in direct and indirect salaries, where we directly employ more than 2,500 people and upwards of 50,000 other individuals indirectly. This is directly contributing to the financial welfare of over 250,000 Iraqis."

Al Dahwi went on to propose initiatives needed for sustainable economic growth and progress such as the creation of a Council for Economic Development and Reconstruction that would act independently from the government. He also stressed the need to adopt eGovernment systems as such would accelerate growth and help eliminate corruption which is at the heart underdevelopment and insecurity.

Al Dahwi went on, "The telecoms industry in Iraq is ready and waiting to be invited to take a leading role across those areas where their expertise and skills can make a real and rapid impact on the country's development. Zain has already invested considerable sums putting in place 10,000 kilometers of transmission lines using over 2,000 mobile sites. We will continue to invest in the necessary technologies needed to re-vitalize the economy. However, we need to be reassured that the Iraqi and US Governments will support private enterprise in leading development programs."

On the matter of security, he contested that true and enduring security will only be realized through private sector development and the return of basic utilities such as electricity and water.

In closing, Al Dahwi sent a clear message to Iraqi expatriate businessman, challenging them to return to Iraq with their expertise and knowledge in order to help realize the vision of a strong and successful Iraq. Noting his own and successful journey which began 4 years ago, Al Dahwi confidently predicted that those who invest in Iraq today will reap enormous rewards in the years to come.