NIC grants $90bn in Investment Licences since 2009

The Elaborated Economic Conference for Investment Projects in Iraq was held in Baghdad on 17th October, organized by the Supreme Committee of Provincial Coordination and the National Investment Commission (NIC), with the attendance of a number of Parliament members, Ministers, Governors, Heads of Provincial Councils, Heads of Provincial Investment Commissions in addition to representatives of banks, foreign and Iraqi investors and businessmen, aiming at activating the suspended investment projects in all Iraqi provinces and announcing new investment opportunities.

The conference started with a welcoming speech by the head of the Supreme Committee of Provincial coordination, Dr. Torhan Al- Mufti who noted that the event would consist of four workshops; each one would be concerned with a number of provinces and the projects available there to be discussed with investors through an open dialogue.

Dr. Mahdi Al- Alaq, the General Secretary of the Ministers’ Council who represented H.E Prime Minister of Iraq by an opening speech through which he conveyed the Government’s interest and direction of activating and supporting private sector by holding several meetings that resulted in ratifying a package of recommendations in coordination with the concerned banks to ensure their leading role in the economic field.

Al-Alaq also referred to the Government’s decision to pay the contractors’ dues, though partially, and lay down mechanisms for postponed payment is a decision that confirmed its keenness to proceed with investment movement, showing his hope that this event can achieve positive results in the work of the concerned executive sides.

Dr. Sami Al- Araji, NIC Chairman reviewed the work of the National Investment Commission since the investment law approval in 2006, adding that the NIC has granted 1336 investment licences between 2009 and 2016, with a total value of $90.1 billion, distributed across various economic fields.

Al-Araji asserted that the NIC had announced 940 investment opportunity in 2015 and 992 opportunities in 2016 in different sectors and provinces, presenting an overview of these investment opportunities in the fields of Oil & Gas, power, housing, transport, industry, tourism, services, youth & sport, and agriculture.

The opening session also consisted of speeches from the DG of te Trade Bank of Iraq (TBI), Mr. Faisal Al- Heimas; IFC regional manager Mr. Ziad Badr, and the financial manager of GE company.

(Source: NIC)

One Response to NIC grants $90bn in Investment Licences since 2009

  1. Ibn Al IRaq 24th October 2016 at 08:00 #

    Dear Sir,

    1- the NIC's chairman did not mention howmany of these investment licences came to light and at what cost !!

    2- the Iraqi Gov needs to remove and fight red tapes and bureaucracy at all levels wthin all concerned ministries and authorities. This is a major concern by all investors!

    3- its about time the planning ministry organises and implement intensive educaltional programs and training courses so that public sector appreciate the need for private investment and to provide supports and remove obstacles

    4- until now entry visas are dificult and takes months to obtain but on other hand some are sold in balck market for $2000+

    Thank you