Sayyid Al-Hakeem abandoning rentier state requires activating productive sectors (industry, agriculture, tourism, investment, and technology)

During his visit to Maysan province, Sayyid Ammar Al-Hakeem, Head of Al-Hikma National Movement, met with elites and experts to discuss the developments in the political and social scene on 25/4/2024, hosted by Sheikh Abu Adel Al-Ghanami. After listening to the attendees' interventions, H.E. stated that Iraq is moving forward, with significant indicators of recovery and positive momentum. The most significant change is the alignment of everyone's interests with stability.
His Eminence pointed out the achieved security, political, and social stability, as well as the return of societal harmony from all components, indicating the disappearance of sensitivities. H.E. stated that this represents a phenomenon that must be considered and addressed. Additionally, he emphasized the importance of preserving Iraq's social foundations and strengths.
H.E. also mentioned attempts to demonize the Iraqi situation, calling for an end to the rentier state and linking Iraq's fate to oil prices. H.E. advocated for diversifying the economy through agriculture, industry, tourism, investment, and technology. He praised efforts to achieve self-sufficiency in wheat production, emphasizing that Iraq possesses industrial potential if social and logistical production conditions are met. H.E. also clarified that investment is crucial for addressing Iraq's economy, urging the investment of capital in regions seeking investment opportunities. H.E. stressed the need for a culture of accepting investors and understanding that investors seek economic benefits through investment, in addition to addressing administrative realities, routines, and bureaucracy.
Regarding tourism, H.E. affirmed that Iraq has diverse natural, archaeological, and religious tourism assets that represent important economic opportunities and resources. H.E. emphasized keeping pace with technological advancements and artificial intelligence to avoid falling behind the world. H.E. explained that decentralization is the philosophy of the current political system and is essential for wealth fairness and role distribution in construction and reconstruction, highlighting the importance of restoring governorate powers and implementing the constitution and existing laws.
H.E. also highlighted the importance of dealing with Turkey in a trilateral equation involving water, trade, and security, emphasizing the need for proper water management and welcoming cooperation and agreements between Iraq and Turkey. H.E. stressed the significance of ideas and perspectives for the advancement of governorates, subjecting these ideas to research, discussion, and development.
In terms of the international coalition, H.E. reiterated his call to end the International Coalition's mission against ISIS through dialogue and in a friendly manner, replacing the coalition with direct bilateral relations between Iraq and some coalition countries based on mutual interests and preserving Iraq's sovereignty. H.E. pointed out that the continued presence of the International Coalition after achieving its objectives represents a form of guardianship over Iraq. H.E. also mentioned that the Prime Minister's visit to America aimed to discuss activating all provisions of the Strategic Framework Agreement. H.E. reminded that this agreement was voted on by a majority of the Iraqi Council of Representatives.
H.E. emphasized the importance of preserving Iraq's position as a fundamental player in the region to solve lingering problems, explaining that regional visits are part of communication and building positive relationships in service of Iraq and are consistent with Iraq's official position, discussing and exchanging views on regional issues.

H.E. stressed that the economy requires bold decisions, calling for the release of allocations from the poorest governorates fund. H.E. reminded that Maysan is the second city in oil production after Basra and needs compensation for social and environmental effects. H.E. also emphasized empowering and believing in the capabilities of youth, as their success sends a message to others about the importance of relying on them and providing them with opportunities and important positions. Additionally, H.E. underscored the importance of combating drugs as they pose a security threat to society.