لSayyid Al-Hakeem: Kirkuk Potential Qualifies It for Diversified Economy, Mirroring Its Diverse Components
At the guesthouse of Sheikh Akram Zangana, His Eminence Sayyid Al-Hakeem, Head of the National State Powers’ Alliance, met with a gathering of sheikhs and dignitaries of the Zangana tribe and Kirkuk Governorate from all components, recalling the historic relationship between Kirkuk with its various components and the family of Imam Al-Hakeem (may Allah sanctify his soul), affirming the importance of sustaining communication among compatriots, regarding the end of the International Coalition’s mission as placing Iraqis before security and social responsibilities, and stressing that Iraqis should reassure one another and adopt dialogue and partnership in addressing challenges.
H.E. described Kirkuk as a symbol of national coexistence given its national, religious, and sectarian diversity, explaining that success in Kirkuk is success throughout Iraq, commending the cohesion of its people, pointing to the economic challenge currently facing Iraq after having overcome the political, social, and security challenges, drawing attention to the importance of Iraq’s oil production being consistent with its potential and population size, and explaining that the government seeks to increase production and double it, which requires substantial allocations through investment and international companies.
H.E. stressed diversifying oil export outlets through the Red Sea and the Mediterranean, calling for diversifying the economy and freeing it from the rentier model by activating the five sectors of agriculture, industry, tourism, investment, and technology, explaining that Kirkuk can be a governorate with a diversified economy, just as its components are diverse, given its agricultural, industrial, and tourism potential, renewing support for the government in its reform paths, and explaining that the selection of Prime Minister Mr. Ali Al-Zaidi came in line with the economic challenge, as he is a businessman and an economic figure.
