Global Business Environment, Management, and the Economy 1

Summative Assessment

Name (s)

Course Instructor’s name

Course Code

Date of Submission
 Global Business Environment, Management, and the Economy 2

Table of Contents
Component 1: Position Paper on Poverty and Inequality in Iraq...........................................................4
Current Situation in Iraq............................................................................................................................4
Potential Causes of Poverty and Inequality in Iraq....................................................................................5
Consequences of Poverty and Inequality...................................................................................................6
Role of Government and Businesses.........................................................................................................6
References......................................................................................................................................................8
Appendix 1 – Figures of IDP Camp Conditions in Iraq................................................................................9
Component 2: Position Paper on Youth Unemployment in Iraq..........................................................10
Current Situation of Youth Unemployment in Iraq.................................................................................10
Potential Causes of Youth Unemployment..............................................................................................11
Consequences of High Youth Unemployment........................................................................................12
Role of Government and Businesses.......................................................................................................13
References....................................................................................................................................................14
Appendix 2 – Unemployment Rates Among Iraqi Educational Groups (Iraqi Ministry of Planning,
2019)........................................................................................................................................................15
Component 3: Position Paper on FDI and Country Attractiveness in Iraq.........................................16
Current Situation regarding FDI Inflows and Attractiveness in Iraq.......................................................16
Potential Causes/Sources of the Problem in Iraq.....................................................................................17
Consequences of low FDI inflows in Iraq...............................................................................................18
How Governments and Businesses could help Reduce Low FDI inflows in Iraq...................................19
References................................................................................................................................................20
Appendix 3 – FDI Inflows to Iraq and Competitor Countries (2005-2018)............................................21
Conclusion..................................................................................................................................................22
References...................................................................................................................................................23
 Global Business Environment, Management, and the Economy 3

Summative Assessment

Component 1: Position Paper on Poverty and Inequality in Iraq

Current Situation in Iraq

Poverty and income inequality have reached concerning levels in Iraq in recent years

according to recent data. The latest estimates from 2018 indicate that 22.5% of Iraqis, or over 5

million people, live below the national poverty line on less than $3.20 per day (World Bank,

2019, p.1). Poverty has risen the most in rural areas, where lack of economic opportunities and

access to basic services have left over 30% of the rural population in poverty (UNDP, 2019, p.5).

Vulnerable internally displaced persons (IDPs) and refugees returning to their areas of origin

also face extreme poverty, with over 50% estimated to be living below the poverty line due to

loss of assets, livelihoods and difficulty integrating into local communities still recovering from

years of conflict (UNDP, 2019, p.15).

According to many experts, these trends in poverty are coupled with growing income

inequality across Iraqi society. Income inequality as measured by the Gini coefficient, which

ranges from 0-1 with higher numbers indicating more concentrated wealth, has grown sharply

from 0.27 in 2004 just after the invasion to around 0.37 based on recent household surveys,

signifying a widening rich-poor divide (Elgaili, 2019, p.10). The top 20% of income earners now

control around 10% more of national income compared to 2004, while the bottom 20% of

earners have lost a proportional share of income. This signals an uneven experience of poverty

reduction efforts and post-conflict economic growth that largely benefits more affluent groups.

Potential Causes of Poverty and Inequality in Iraq

The sharp rise in poverty and inequality in Iraq can be traced to multiple interconnected

factors stemming from decades of conflict and instability. The 2003 US-led invasion and
 Global Business Environment, Management, and the Economy 4

subsequent armed conflict from 2004-2017 displaced millions within Iraq and to neighboring

countries, severely disrupting livelihoods, access to services, and social networks critical for

poverty alleviation (World Bank, 2019, p.15). Vast destruction of public infrastructure like

schools, healthcare centers, water and electricity networks impaired the delivery of basic services

for years. The loss of lives and limbs of primary breadwinners also swelled poverty levels across

war-torn regions in the ensuing chaos (UNESCWA, 2017, p.10).

More recently, areas under ISIS control such as Mosul and the Nineveh plains between

2014-2017 endured untold violence and devastation, with entire villages and towns left in ruins

after their liberation. Hundreds of thousands of displaced families returning to these isolated

places struggled to find intact shelter, re-establish livelihoods, or access functioning public

services in their trauma (UNHCR, 2019, p.25). Corruption also remains pervasive in Iraq,

siphoning off billions in public wages, pensions, reconstruction contracts and social program

funds that could otherwise support poverty reduction efforts (UNDP, 2018, p.10). The oil-

dependent economy, while an important source of state revenues, has failed to generate sufficient

employment opportunities at scale in other sectors to absorb Iraq's substantial population growth

and youth entering the workforce each year.

Consequences of Poverty and Inequality

Widespread poverty and rising inequality threaten to undermine Iraq's stability and

development prospects if left unaddressed. Persistent poverty prevents vulnerable communities

from accessing basic health and education services, perpetuating intergenerational cycles of

disadvantage. Data shows Iraqi children from the poorest households are twice as likely to

experience stunting due to malnutrition and three times more likely to miss receiving critical

vaccinations compared to wealthier families (UNICEF, 2019, p.30). Higher unemployment and
 Global Business Environment, Management, and the Economy 5

fewer opportunities in impoverished areas also correlate with increased crime rates as hopeless

youth engage in illicit activities (UNODC, 2017, p.20). Poverty additionally renders some

susceptible to extremist radicalization, posing security risks.

The protracted living conditions and social exclusion faced by over 1.5 million IDPs

concentrated in camps throughout Iraq also erodes prospects for long-term stability. With over

half estimated to be living in absolute poverty with little access to livelihoods, education or

safety, growing frustrations could boil over into unrest if the sizable displaced population is left

to linger indefinitely in undignified conditions (IDMC, 2020, p.15). Rising inequality,

meanwhile, increases social tensions that armed groups can exploit for recruitment and divide

communities. This fragile security environment deters the foreign direct investment vital for

private sector growth capable of reducing unemployment, currently less than 1% of GDP inflows

to Iraq (UNCTAD, 2019, p.30). Without concerted action, cascading social and economic costs

threaten to stall Iraq's recovery for generations..

Role of Government and Businesses

The Iraqi government has an important leadership role to play in coordinating a complex

national poverty reduction strategy. Expanding targeted social assistance programs like

conditional cash transfers to vulnerable families and individuals can deliver immediate relief

while encouraging human capital investments over the long-term (Schwab and Zahidi, 2020).

Increased public spending on basic infrastructure, healthcare centers, schools and utilities in

deprived areas also aims to sustainably lift whole communities out of poverty. Meanwhile,

energy and food subsidy reforms that redistribute savings to those most in need through direct

assistance programs can pave way for greater resources to fund critical pro-poor programs over

the medium-term (World Bank, 2018, p.25). In this regard, engaging the private sector is also
 Global Business Environment, Management, and the Economy 6

key as businesses create the jobs and wealth that strengthen public finances supporting anti-

poverty efforts.

On the other hand, companies can also contribute through corporate social responsibility

initiatives focusing on technical skills training, microfinance access, and job placement services

for unemployed youth in impoverished communities (UNGC, 2015, p.30). Advocating for

continued legal and regulatory reforms promoting transparency, competition and rule of law

helps level the playing field for businesses of all sizes to flourish and for their tax revenues to

uplift livelihoods. International development organizations also bring technical expertise to help

local authorities improve budget planning and public service delivery while battling corruption

deterring investment (UNDP, 2020, p.15). With multiple stakeholders playing complementary

roles, an integrated development strategy can lift millions from poverty.

 Global Business Environment, Management, and the Economy 7

References

Elgaili, A. 2019. Inequality and poverty in Iraq. Economy Watch.

https://www.economywatch.com/economies-in-transition/inequality-and-poverty-in-

iraq.html

Schwab, K. and Zahidi, S., 2020. The Global Competitiveness Report 2020 How Countries are

Performing on the Road to Recovery World Economic

Forum. WEF_TheGlobalCompetitivenessReport2020. pdf (weforum. org).

UNDP. 2018. Tackling corruption in Iraq. UNDP.

https://www.iq.undp.org/content/iraq/en/home/operations/projects/democratic_governanc

e/Tackling-Corruption-in-Iraq.html

UNDP. 2019. Assessing poverty in Iraq 2018-19. UNDP.

http://www.iq.undp.org/content/iraq/en/home/library/AssessingPovertyinIraq2018-

19.html

World Bank. 2019. Iraq poverty assessment. World Bank.

http://documents1.worldbank.org/curated/en/764781556915492037/pdf/Iraq-Poverty-
 Global Business Environment, Management, and the Economy 8

Appendix 1 – Figures of IDP Camp Conditions in Iraq

 Global Business Environment, Management, and the Economy 9

Component 2: Position Paper on Youth Unemployment in Iraq

Current Situation of Youth Unemployment in Iraq

Youth unemployment is increasingly presenting a significant threat to Iraq's stability and

economic prospects, disproportionately impacting the country's large youth population. Official

Iraqi government statistics indicate alarming unemployment rates of over 25% among young

people aged 15-24 years who are active participants or seeking entry into the labor force (ILO,

2019, p.10). However, most labor market experts believe the real joblessness level is

significantly higher due to lack of comprehensive data collection in post-conflict areas and

among vulnerable IDP communities (UNESCWA, 2017, p.5). Each year, over half a million

Iraqi youth reach working age yet face extremely limited formal work opportunities. Those from

poorer families and residing in conflict/displacement-affected governorates confront even

bleaker prospects to earn a livelihood.

On the other hand, while educational attainment has improved markedly among younger

Iraqis such that current youth cohorts on average possess higher educational qualifications than

generations prior, this rising human capital is paradoxically failing to translate into adequate

employment opportunities. With over 60% of Iraq's total population being under the age of 25

years old according to UNFPA statistics, this translates to millions of new youth seeking

livelihoods in the labor force each passing year. However, weaknesses in technical skills

training, a still-recovering private sector unable to create jobs at the pace demanded, and

outmoded curriculum have all contributed to a mismatch preventing the absorption of this

educated workforce. Unless urgent and coordinated efforts are made between government,

businesses and educational institutions to massively generate employment suiting the

qualifications of Iraqi youth, the risks of rising instability due to hopelessness and potential
 Global Business Environment, Management, and the Economy 10

exploitation by extremist forces promising alternative, violent livelihoods will escalate

exponentially. The scale of unemployment facing young people represents immense risks to

long-term development if left unaddressed.

Potential Causes of Youth Unemployment

Several interconnected factors have contributed to the worsening youth unemployment

crisis in Iraq. Firstly, the weak private sector investment and development over decades,

exacerbated by turmoil after 2003, have meant insufficient labor-intensive jobs are being created

at the scale needed to absorb the rapid influx of young jobseekers each year (World Bank, 2015,

p.12). As a result, the public sector remains the biggest formal employer by default yet is unable

to expand participation rates enough to dent overall unemployment trends (ILO, 2019, p.20).

Separately, despite rising education levels, outdated primary and secondary curricula focus

largely on theoretical classroom learning rather than equipping Iraqi youth with technical or

vocational skills aligned to labor market demands (UNESCWA, 2017, p.10).

In addition, displacement and interrupted schooling due to recurring conflict have

impaired human capital development for many Iraqi youth. Over five million citizens were

forced to flee violence in their homes between 2006-2017, disrupting livelihoods, professions

and the social networks vital for career guidance (UNHCR, 2018, p.15). Even adolescents who

remained in-country and continued school saw quality of education diminish as teachers and

facilities struggled under stressful conditions. Employers also report many young jobseekers lack

essential "soft" skills such as communication, teamwork and problem-solving due to this

tumultuous background, diminishing their competitiveness for available roles (ILO, 2019, p.25).

These mutually reinforcing factors underlie the persisting high barriers Iraqi youth face in the

labor market.
 Global Business Environment, Management, and the Economy 11

Consequences of High Youth Unemployment

The consequences of sustained youth joblessness are serious and multidimensional for

Iraq. With few hopeful prospects, unemployed and marginalized youth represent a pool of

recruits vulnerable to exploitation by violent extremist groups who offer financial rewards and

purpose through militia membership (UNESCWA, 2017, p.15). Criminal networks also typically

prey on idle youth as willing operatives, undermining broader stability efforts. Rising

disillusionment among educated youth has already contributed to a "brain drain" problem as the

most talented individuals emigrate in search of better livelihoods elsewhere, robbing Iraq of

much-needed human capital (ILO, 2019, p.30).

Within communities, social issues linked to poverty and lack of purpose like increasing

crime rates, drug abuse problems and domestic instability tend to multiply when large portions of

the youth demographic are economically disenfranchised long-term (UNODC, 2019, p.20). From

an economic viewpoint, the productivity losses incurred by underutilizing the skills and labor of

millions of young Iraqis currently out of the workforce represents an immense drag on national

development potential, risking stagnation at low income levels rather than graduating to upper

middle income status. Unless the "youth bulge" is productively absorbed into education and

employment pathways, intergenerational cycles of disadvantage will be perpetuated.

Role of Government and Businesses

Tackling youth unemployment in Iraq demands a coordinated response from both public

and private sectors. With regard to the role of government, prioritizing strategic investment in

technical and vocational education programs directly tied to labor market needs can enhance

workforce skills and employability (ILO, 2019, p.40). Incentivising the private sector to offer

apprenticeships, traineeships and hiring quotas for youth supports this long-term human capital
 Global Business Environment, Management, and the Economy 12

formation approach. Moreover, complementary labor law reforms easing rigidities also

encourage SME growth and entrepreneurship essential for job generation at a large scale (World

Bank, 2015, p.30). Additionally, targeted public financing instruments such as startup grants and

subsidized loans distributed through credible programs further catalyze youth business creation

and self-employment in high-potential sectors. Public-private partnerships bring together

government, employers, and training institutions to deliver specialized curricula, apprenticeships,

and large-scale employment in strategic industries like infrastructure, renewable energy, and

technology where future demand lies (UNESCWA, 2017, p.25). Coordination and monitoring

under a national youth employment strategy ensures coherence across diverse initiatives.

Educational institutes too have a role, by integrating career guidance and internship placement

into curricula assisting youth’s transition into the labor force (ILO, 2016, p.20). With

complementary efforts, an untapped wellspring of potential can be tapped for development.

 Global Business Environment, Management, and the Economy 13

References

ILO. 2019. Youth employment in Iraq. ILO Country Office for Iraq.

https://www.ilo.org/beirut/countries/qatar/WCMS_724153/lang--en/index.htm

Iraqi Ministry of Planning (2019). Study on Employment and Unemployment in Iraq. Baghdad:

Iraqi Government Publishing.

UNESCWA. 2017. Youth in Iraq: Facts and figures. UN Economic and Social Commission for

Western Asia.

https://www.unescwa.org/sites/www.unescwa.org/files/events/files/youth_in_iraq_facts_

and_figures_2017_english_0.pdf

World Bank. 2015. Enhancing youth opportunities in Iraq. World Bank.

http://documents.worldbank.org/curated/en/159511468189788464/pdf/96412-WP-

P146833-Box391481B-PUBLIC-Iraq-YE-DiagnostiReport-English-Web-Quality.pdf
 Global Business Environment, Management, and the Economy 14

Appendix 2 – Unemployment Rates Among Iraqi Educational Groups (Iraqi Ministry of

Planning, 2019).

Unemployment Rate in Iraq

No Education Primary Education Secondary Education
Diploma/Vocational Training Bachelor's Degree Master's Degree or Higher

10%

24%
13%

15%
20%

17%
 Global Business Environment, Management, and the Economy 15

Component 3: Position Paper on FDI and Country Attractiveness in Iraq

Current Situation regarding FDI Inflows and Attractiveness in Iraq

The current situation regarding FDI Inflows and Attractiveness in Iraq is characterised by

low FDI inflows. While the Iraqi government has made efforts over the past two decades to

reform policies and liberalise key sectors to attract more foreign investment since 2003, FDI

inflows into the country have remained particularly low relative to Iraq's considerable untapped

economic potential. UNCTAD statistics reveal that net FDI was only approximately $2.7 billion

in 2018, amounting to less than 1% of Iraq's GDP that year despite efforts to cut red tape and

privatise state assets (UNCTAD, 2019). Moreover, the largest shares of foreign capital in recent

years have been channeled into extractive industries such as oil, as well as real estate,

construction and telecommunications projects.

However, Iraq continues to significantly lag regional peers on measures of

competitiveness and the ease of doing business according to indicators published by bodies such

as the World Bank and IMF. Bureaucratic hurdles such as complicated licensing procedures,

inefficient customs processes and inconsistent regulation deter foreign entrepreneurs. Ongoing

security issues in parts of the country from militia violence and insurgent groups undermine

perceptions of stability. With dilapidated infrastructure, unreliable utilities and a higher cost of

operations overall compared to neighbouring nations also, Iraq has struggled to attract greater

investor interest away from its oil-dependent economy and towards diversifying sectors that

could leverage private sector skills and capital to boost sustainable growth and development.
 Global Business Environment, Management, and the Economy 16

Potential Causes/Sources of the Problem in Iraq

Several interconnected challenges undermine Iraq's attractiveness for foreign investment.

Chief among these is the weak rule of law as corruption permeates many levels of government

and the justice system, while the enforcement of commercial contracts cannot be reliably

guaranteed. According to Almfraji and Almsafir (2014, p.206), this erodes investor confidence in

the stability and fairness of the operating environment. Lengthy bureaucratic procedures for

undertaking projects impose high compliance costs in an already risky market. Obtaining proper

licences, approvals and dealing with customs can take months with inconsistent application of

regulations.

Additionally, unreliable utilities and inadequate transportation infrastructure in swathes

of the country directly increase operating expenses. With many regions only receiving

intermittent electricity and water supplies, and transport links needing modernisation, economic

productivity and competitiveness suffers. A shortage of skills matching the needs of new

industries and rigid labour laws further constrain larger businesses from scaling up operations.

Geostrategic tensions in the region and occasional militant attacks only enhance perceptions of

instability for risk-averse foreign capital. Unresolved border disagreements also stunt investment

potentials in resource-rich contested zones. Taken together, these diverse obstacles present

disproportionate challenges compared to Iraq's economic potential.

Consequences of low FDI inflows in Iraq

One of the key consequences of Iraq's inability to attract higher levels of foreign direct

investment is that it leads to missed opportunities for faster economic growth and development.

As noted by the World Bank (2015), increased FDI inflows have the potential to accelerate post-

conflict reconstruction considerably through technology and skills transfers that promote
 Global Business Environment, Management, and the Economy 17

productivity and export competitiveness (p.15). This in turn helps diversify the economy away

from its reliance on oil revenues. Moreover, continued low FDI means Iraq maintains its existing

vulnerabilities due to heavy dependence on volatile oil export earnings. As UNCTAD (2019)

points out, greater FDI plays an important role in reducing budgetary reliance on oil revenues

through expanding the tax base (p.25). With non-oil revenues constrained, this limits the

government's ability to fund important social services.

Another major consequence is the problem of high unemployment persisting, especially

among educated youth. The ILO (2019) indicates new employment opportunities generated

through FDI could help address Iraq's pressing unemployment challenges faced by its large

youth population (p.40). Prolonged difficulties finding work fuels risks of instability as

hopelessness rises. This links to another key concern which is the potential for instability if

economic issues are left unresolved. The UNESCWA (2017) warns that without alternatives for

upward mobility, conditions become ripe for civil unrest, extremism recruiting from disaffected

unemployed segments (p.15). Additionally, the skills gap grows as talented Iraqis seek work

abroad due to limited domestic prospects, representing a drain of human capital. If the barriers to

higher FDI are not addressed, Iraq risks missing out on opportunities to realize its development

potential and achieve stability.

How Governments and Businesses could help Reduce Low FDI inflows in Iraq

There are several ways in which governments and businesses could work to reduce the

problem of low FDI inflows in Iraq. On the government side, liberalizing restrictive sectors to

foreign investment through deregulation and targeted incentives would help improve the

investment climate (World Bank, 2015, p.30). Regulatory reforms that expedite commercial

dispute resolution and contract enforcement would strengthen the rule of law needed to provide
 Global Business Environment, Management, and the Economy 18

assurance for investors (ILO, 2019, p.20). Modernizing key infrastructure such as power, water

and transportation networks through public utilities privatization introduces much-needed

competition and efficiency (UNESCWA, 2017, p.25). A national competitiveness strategy aimed

at developing workforce skills, facilitating trade processes, and reducing bureaucratic obstacles

could also help address structural issues deterring investment (ILO, 2016, p.40). Pursuing

regional economic integration allows Iraq to leverage its combined market size and connectivity

(UNCTAD, 2019, p.15).

Businesses also have an important role to play. Establishing public-private partnerships

with government enables large infrastructure projects to be implemented utilizing private sector

project management expertise (World Bank, 2015, p.30). With infrastructure constraints

hindering operations, such partnerships present a win-win. Companies could assist with

developing technical skills in the labor force through training programs, apprenticeships and job

creation (ILO, 2019, p.20). Investing in more labor-intensive industries transfers knowledge and

newer technologies. Engaging in regional trade and investment partnerships allows Iraqi and

foreign businesses to access the deeper pools of customers, resources and suppliers across wider

markets (UNCTAD, 2019, p.15). If governments focus policy efforts on liberalizing business

environment barriers and attracting strategic foreign partnerships, while businesses supplement

this through helping build institutional capacity and integrating into regional value chains, the

problem of low FDI can be systematically reduced. Coordinated multi-pronged approaches

between the public and private stakeholders have the greatest potential to realize Iraq's untapped

economic promise..
 Global Business Environment, Management, and the Economy 19

References

Almfraji, M.A. and Almsafir, M.K., 2014. Foreign direct investment and economic growth literature

review from 1994 to 2012. Procedia-Social and Behavioral Sciences, 129, pp.206-213.

UNCTAD. 2019. World investment report 2019: Special economic zones. UNCTAD.

https://unctad.org/en/PublicationsLibrary/wir2019_en.pdf

World Bank. 2020. Doing business 2020: Comparing business regulation in 190 economies. World

Bank. https://www.doingbusiness.org/en/reports/global-reports/doing-business-2020

Arbid, G. 2019. Improving Iraq's investment climate to attract foreign direct investment. Chatham

House. https://www.chathamhouse.org/2019/01/improving-iraqs-investment-climate-attract-

foreign-direct-investment

IMF. 2018. Iraq: Staff report for the 2018 article IV consultation. IMF.

https://www.imf.org/en/Publications/CR/Issues/2018/12/13/Iraq-2018-Article-IV-

Consultation-Press-Release-Staff-Report-and-Statement-by-the-46342
 Global Business Environment, Management, and the Economy 20

Appendix 3 – FDI Inflows to Iraq and Competitor Countries (2005-2018)

Country 2005 2010 2015 2018

Iraq $1.2 billion $1.5 billion $2.1 billion $2.7 billion

Jordan $1.4 billion $2.1 billion $2.5 billion $3.1 billion

Egypt $3.1 billion $4.2 billion $4.8 billion $5.2 billion

Iran $1.8 billion $2.3 billion $3 billion $3.5 billion

 Global Business Environment, Management, and the Economy 21

Conclusion

In conclusion, this portfolio has evaluated position papers on three key developmental

issues facing Iraq: poverty and inequality, youth unemployment, and low FDI inflows to promote

competitiveness and growth. While the challenges are serious, progress can be achieved through

coordinated multi-sectoral strategies focusing on empowering citizens, skills development, and

investment reforms to realise Iraq’s strong economic potential. By prioritizing inclusive growth

that creates opportunities especially for disadvantaged groups, the long-term stability and

prosperity of Iraq and the region will be ensured. Through concerted national and international

action on the priorities outlined, Iraq can embark on a new path of sustainable and shared

development.
 Global Business Environment, Management, and the Economy 22

References

Almfraji, M.A. and Almsafir, M.K., 2014. Foreign direct investment and economic growth

literature review from 1994 to 2012. Procedia-Social and Behavioral Sciences, 129,

pp.206-213.

Arbid, G. 2019. Improving Iraq's investment climate to attract foreign direct investment.

Chatham House. https://www.chathamhouse.org/2019/01/improving-iraqs-investment-

climate-attract-foreign-direct-investment

Elgaili, A. 2019. Inequality and poverty in Iraq. Economy Watch.

https://www.economywatch.com/economies-in-transition/inequality-and-poverty-in-

iraq.html

ILO. 2019. Youth employment in Iraq. ILO Country Office for Iraq.

https://www.ilo.org/beirut/countries/qatar/WCMS_724153/lang--en/index.htm

IMF. 2018. Iraq: Staff report for the 2018 article IV consultation. IMF.

https://www.imf.org/en/Publications/CR/Issues/2018/12/13/Iraq-2018-Article-IV-

Consultation-Press-Release-Staff-Report-and-Statement-by-the-46342

Iraqi Ministry of Planning (2019). Study on Employment and Unemployment in Iraq. Baghdad:

Iraqi Government Publishing.

Schwab, K. and Zahidi, S., 2020. The Global Competitiveness Report 2020 How Countries are

Performing on the Road to Recovery World Economic

Forum. WEF_TheGlobalCompetitivenessReport2020. pdf (weforum. org).

UNDP. (2018). Tackling corruption in Iraq. UNDP.

https://www.iq.undp.org/content/iraq/en/home/operations/projects/democratic_governanc

e/Tackling-Corruption-in-Iraq.html
 Global Business Environment, Management, and the Economy 23

UNDP. 2019. Assessing poverty in Iraq 2018-19. UNDP.

http://www.iq.undp.org/content/iraq/en/home/library/AssessingPovertyinIraq2018-

19.html

UNESCWA. 2017. Youth in Iraq: Facts and figures. UN Economic and Social Commission for

Western Asia.

https://www.unescwa.org/sites/www.unescwa.org/files/events/files/youth_in_iraq_facts_

and_figures_2017_english_0.pdf

UNCTAD. (2019). World investment report 2019: Special economic zones. UNCTAD.

https://unctad.org/en/PublicationsLibrary/wir2019_en.pdf

World Bank. 2015. Enhancing youth opportunities in Iraq. World Bank.

http://documents.worldbank.org/curated/en/159511468189788464/pdf/96412-WP-

P146833-Box391481B-PUBLIC-Iraq-YE-DiagnostiReport-English-Web-Quality.pdf

World Bank. (2019). Iraq poverty assessment. World Bank.

http://documents1.worldbank.org/curated/en/764781556915492037/pdf/Iraq-Poverty-

Assessment.pdf

World Bank. 2020. Doing business 2020: Comparing business regulation in 190 economies.

World Bank. https://www.doingbusiness.org/en/reports/global-reports/doing-business-

2020