Industrial Development in Iraq

The purpose of this study was to trace the development of industries in Iraq in the period before 1958 and to correlate that with the industrial development during the period from 1958 to date. With the passing of time, the government has become more and more directly involved with industry, and today its actions very closely affect all industrial establishments in Iraq. Private entrepreneurs have from the time of their emergence looked to the government for help and assistance and, where possible, to be a purchaser of their products. The methods used to carry on the study are divided into five parts. The first is a general description of non-economic factors such as the people, the land, social influence, and education. The second is the impact of the 1958 revolution in developing the industries. The third and fourth parts are the effect of some government organizations which directly involved the industrial development. The final part pertains to the industrial problems and future growth. Today, the fulfillment of the economic promise the country holds awaits enlightened action from the new leaders. Vigorous leadership is required if the opportunities for industrial development are to be fully exploited. The writer also believes that emphasis upon education, financial reforms, and training will be the possible approach for more rapid development