Economic Insights – Baghdad
On Sunday, Hayam Al-Yasiri, the Minister of Communications, affirmed that the Iraqi government is proactively advancing its digital transformation initiatives in order to align with global developments. Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani has established specialized teams tasked with evaluating the progress of various ministries in achieving these objectives.
During a statement at the Digital Cooperation and Development Forum held in Amman, Jordan, Al-Yasiri noted, “Prime Minister Muhammad Shia Al-Sudani is leading the Supreme Committee for Digital Transformation, which has devised significant strategies and founded the National Center for Digital Transformation. All ministries in Iraq are currently striving to implement digital transformation initiatives.”
She highlighted that “the Prime Minister has directed the formation of specialized assessment teams to review the performance of ministries regarding their digital transformation efforts.”
Al-Yasiri elaborated that “as a specialized ministry, the Ministry of Communications aims to serve as a benchmark for other ministries. We have made substantial strides in this field, and we have developed numerous digital applications and systems using local expertise.”
Moreover, she mentioned that “the establishment of the Digital Cooperation Forum aims to endorse the digital Arab agenda, which was discussed in collaboration with several international organizations last year, including the International Federation and the United Nations, as well as the Arab League. The ministerial announcement for the digital Arab agenda has now been approved.”
Al-Yasiri further emphasized that “the meeting also seeks to explore the opportunities for rapid digital development, recognizing that adaptation is essential for Arab countries to keep pace with global advancements in this domain.”
She acknowledged that “keeping up with development necessitates the establishment of robust digital infrastructure, the enhancement of cybersecurity measures, the eradication of digital illiteracy, and harnessing the talent and capabilities of the Arab population, particularly those in Iraq.”
Additionally, she noted, “Digital transformation has evolved into a critical objective for fostering the digital economy. Today, the digital economy is one of the most focal points of global attention, particularly for oil-dependent nations, which must embrace a digital economy as a sustainable alternative to their traditional oil economies.”
Al-Yasiri concluded by recognizing that “artificial intelligence presents a significant challenge faced globally, necessitating efforts to maintain ethical standards while leveraging innovations and advancements in this transformative field.”
