For Immediate Release
Press Release
Erbil, August 1, 2023 — The U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) organized an Access to Finance (A2F) Conference in Erbil.
This is a follow up to the well-received A2F conference held in Baghdad in August 2022. More than 200 representatives from the Kurdistan Regional Government, financial institutions, investment firms, academia, trade associations, and civil society organizations engaged in discussions to improve overall access to finance for small and medium size businesses, which will lead to strengthening the private sector.
U.S. Ambassador to Iraq Alina L. Romanowski emphasized the U.S. government’s commitment to this initiative when it was launched at the first A2F conference last year.
“This conference builds on our longstanding commitment to supporting small and medium enterprises in Iraq, including the Kurdistan Region," said Elise Jensen, Mission Director for USAID in Iraq. “Addressing access to finance for small businesses is an essential ingredient to facilitating long-term economic growth and greater opportunities."
The conference featured several informative panel discussions on advancing climate financing, identifying digital financial solutions, and unlocking private sector potential. Networking opportunities facilitated small and medium enterprises connecting with banks and other financial institutions.
Access to finance is a key driver for economic development and job creation in Iraq, and this conference demonstrates the continued commitment of the U.S. government, through USAID, to develop the Iraqi private sector and advance the U.S.-Iraq 360 degree partnership.
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USAID, DCEO