BAGHDAD - U.S. Ambassador Christopher R. Hill and the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) Iraq Director Christopher D. Crowley, in partnership with Iraqi Deputy Prime Minister Dr. Rafe H. Al-Eissawi, opened a two-day conference that marked another milestone in Iraq's rebuilding efforts.

The conference brought together ministers, director generals, and governors from six central provinces of Iraq to work together to improve the provision of public services to the Iraqi people.

The conference was sponsored by the Iraqi Deputy Prime Minister for Services and USAID's National Capacity Development program, known locally as "Tatweer." Iraqi government representatives from Anbar, Babil, Diyala, Karbala, Najaf, and Wasit participated in the event at Al Rashid Hotel in Baghdad.

The USAID program works with 10 ministries and 10 agencies and executive offices to improve overall institutional performance and introduce international best practices. In the past two years, USAID/Tatweer has trained more than 70,000 Iraq government officials in strategic planning, human resources, financial management, and project management. Though the training under USAID/Tatweer has been nationwide, the technical assistance activities with the ministries and executive bodies have mostly focused in Baghdad. USAID will expand the technical assistance program to the provinces, working with the directors general and their staff on key public administration system priorities.

USAID Iraq Director Crowley said, "This conference is an excellent opportunity to start a meaningful dialogue across the different levels of government and the central provinces to build on the progress made so far." He said the joint efforts are meant to set up a transparent and effective public administration system to improve the delivery of services throughout the country.

Since 2003, USAID has invested more than $6 billion on programs designed to stabilize communities; foster economic and agricultural growth; and build the capacity of the national, local, and provincial governments to respond to the needs of the Iraqi people.

For more information about USAID programs, please visit our website at www.usaid.gov. The American people, through the U.S. Agency for International Development, have provided economic and humanitarian assistance worldwide for nearly 50 years.