By NNN-KUNA,
Geneva : UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-Moon has said at the signing of the memorandum of understanding (MOU) on the science, technology and innovation policy review (STIP) between the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) and Iraq here that it is an occasion to look forward.
“We should never forget that Iraq is blessed with exceptional human and natural resources. The mission of the UN is to support Iraq fulfilling its own potential for development and stability,” he said at the ceremony Monday.
Secretary-General of UNCTAD Supachai Panitchpakdi said that his organisation has provided help to Iraq on debt management and trade negotiations. “The signing of the memorandum of understanding on the science, technology and innovation policy review this (Monday) morning signals our continuing readiness to provide coordinated UNCTAD-wide support in favour of Iraq,” he added.
He stressed that this agreement will help Iraq on many avenues among them on its accession to the WTO and on information and communication technologies that can help Iraq and its people rebuild their economy and make progress towards sustainable growth and development.
The MOU was signed by Iraqi Minister of Science and Technology Raid Fahmi and by Panitchpakdi in Ban’s presence.
Under the terms of the memorandum, the STIP will be prepared by a team of experts working under the direction of UNCTAD, in partnership with government officials, private sector representatives, university officials, research institute directors and others. The STIP will provide a basis for comprehensive Iraqi plans to encourage and capitalise on science, technology and innovation as a way of spurring long-term economic growth.