Archive | 2024

GKP: "Near-Term Local Sales Outlook is Strong"

By John Lee. Gulf Keystone Petroleum (GKP) has said its near-term local sales outlook is strong. In an operational and corporate update issued today (Wednesday), the operator of the Shaikan Field in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq added that a number of key details remain outstanding regarding payment surety for future oil exports, the repayment […]

Baghdad to be Arab Tourism Capital for 2025

By John Lee. The Arab Tourism Organization (ATO) has selected Baghdad as the Arab Tourism Capital for 2025. Prime Minister Mohammed S. Al-Sudani expressed his gratitude to everyone who contributed to this achievement, adding: "These initiatives aim to enhance service standards and modernize the capital's infrastructure to a level that reflects its historical and cultural […]

US Investment Climate Statement for Iraq

By John Lee. The US State Department issued its 2024 Investment Climate Statement for Iraq earlier this year. The report covers the following key areas: Openness To, and Restrictions Upon, Foreign Investment Bilateral Investment and Taxation Treaties Legal Regime Industrial Policies Protection of Property Rights Financial Sector State-Owned Enterprises Responsible Business Conduct Corruption Political and Security Environment […]

Iraq, Saudi Arabia sign Investment Protection Agreement

By John Lee. Iraq's National Investment Commission (NIC) Chairman, Dr. Haider Mohammed Makiyya, announced the signing of the Investment Protection and Promotion Agreement with Saudi Arabia on November 24, 2024. The agreement, finalized ahead of the 28th World Investment Conference in Riyadh, aims to create a secure environment for Saudi investors in Iraq, supported by […]

KRG comments on Genel Energy Arbitration Case

By John Lee. The Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) has issued a statement following its arbitration win in a dispute with Genel Energy. Genel announced last week that a British court had dismissed its claim for damages from KRG for loss of Genel's rights to develop the Bina Bawi and Miran fields in Iraqi Kurdistan. According […]

Iraq Strengthens Business Relationship with Greece

By John Lee. Iraq's Minister of Trade, Mr. Atheer Daoud Al-Ghurairi, emphasized the government's dedication to advancing economic, trade, and investment relations with Greece during his meeting with Mr. Dimitris Skalkos, Secretary-General for International Economic Relations at the Greek Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and Greek Ambassador to Iraq, Mr. Georgios. Key Highlights of the Meeting: […]

New Direct Flights between Athens and Erbil

By John Lee. Greece's Aegean Airlines has announced a new direct route between Athens Airport to Erbil International Airport in Iraqi Kurdistan. Flights will commence on 23rd February and operate twice a week, every Wednesday and Sunday. (Source: Aegean Airlines)

Iraq Parliament Ends Year with No Kurdistan Oil Deal

By Charles Kennedy for OilPrice.com. Any opinions expressed are those of the author(s), and do not necessarily reflect the views of Iraq Business News. Iraq Parliament Ends Year With No Kurdistan Oil Deal The Iraqi parliament ended this year's session without finalizing a deal with the semi-autonomous region of Kurdistan for the exports of crude […]

Iraqi-French Business Council explores Strategic Projects

By John Lee. The Chairman of Iraq's National Investment Commission (NIC), Dr. Haider Mohammed Makiyya, held a meeting with Adham Al-Fakhar, Chairman of the Iraqi-French Business Council, and its members to discuss promising strategic investment projects. Dr. Makiyya emphasized the NIC's commitment to advancing a forward-looking investment policy that prioritizes innovative projects to strengthen Iraq's […]

Former NIC Chair Sentenced over Unlawful Wealth Accumulation

By John Lee. Iraq's Commission of Integrity has announced a court ruling sentencing Suha Dawood Elias Al-Najjar, former Chair of the National Investment Commission (NIC), to seven years in prison. The charges relate to alleged unlawful wealth accumulation and illicit gains. The Central Anti-Corruption Criminal Court issued the verdict in absentia, finding Al-Najjar guilty of […]

Baghdad Sustainable Forests Project launched

By John Lee. Prime Minister Mohammed S. Al-Sudani has launched the Baghdad Sustainable Forests Project, which will be developed on the former Al-Rashid Camp. Area: Over 1,200 hectares (approximately 4,800 dunams; 3,000 acres). Economic Impact: Expected to generate 80,000 job opportunities. Significance: First project of its kind in Iraq and the region in terms of […]

Project to drive Decent Work and Affordable Housing in Iraq

By John Lee. The Ministry of Planning (MoP), in collaboration with the International Labour Organization (ILO), UN-Habitat, and the International Trade Centre (ITC), hosted the first Steering Committee Meeting of the Building Equitable and Inclusive Transformation (BEIT) Towards Decent Work and Affordable Housing in Iraq project, funded by the European Union (EU). The BEIT initiative […]