Archive | 2025

US Urges Iraq to Rein in Iran-Backed Groups

By John Lee. A US State Department spokesperson has reiterated Washington's concerns over Iranian-backed groups operating in Iraq. Responding to a question at a press briefing, Tammy Bruce emphasised that Iraq's government must maintain command and control over all security forces, including the Popular Mobilisation Forces (PMF), and ensure they report to Iraq's commander-in-chief rather […]

Report: Climate Change and Agriculture in Dhi Qar

From IMPACT. Any opinions expressed are those of the author(s), and do not necessarily reflect the views of Iraq Business News. Iraq: Climate Change and Agriculture in Al-Dawaya and Al-Gharraf (March 2025) This assessment was conducted in the Al-Dawaya and Al-Gharraf sub-districts of Thi-Qar [Dhi Qar] governorate, a region facing an unprecedented climate-induced crisis. Iraq's […]

New Data on Increasing German-Iraqi Trade

By John Lee. The German Liaison Office for Commerce & Industry in Iraq (AHK Iraq) has told Iraq Business News that trade between Germany and Iraq reached EUR 3.1 billion in 2024. This consisted of EUR 1.8 billion imported from Iraq into Germany, and EUR 1.3 billion from Germany to Iraq. Over four years, this […]

Iraq Welcomes New British Ambassador

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mr. Fuad Hussein received a copy of the credentials of the new Ambassador of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland to Iraq, Mr. Irfan Siddiq, at the Ministry's headquarters on Monday 24 March 2025. Minister Hussein welcomed the new Ambassador, and wished him success in his […]

PM Reviews Reforms at Rafidain and Rasheed Banks

By John Lee. Prime Minister Mohammed S. Al-Sudani chaired a meeting on Sunday to review the reform process for Rafidain Bank and Rasheed Bank, with representatives from Ernst & Young (EY) in attendance. The discussions focused on aligning the banks' operations with international standards, addressing debt repayment mechanisms, and enhancing staff training. The Prime Minister […]

$374m Chinese Investment in Iraqi Medical City

By John Lee. Iraq has signed a contract with China State Construction Engineering Corporation (CSCEC) to build a comprehensive Medical City in Dhi Qar Province. The 490 billion Iraqi dinar [$374 million] project was finalized under the supervision of the Dhi Qar Reconstruction Fund and the Ministry of Health. During the signing ceremony, Prime Minister […]

Foundation Stone laid for Sponge Iron Plant in Basra

By John Lee. Iraq's Minister of Industry and Minerals, Khaled Battal Al-Najm, has laid the foundation stone for a sponge iron plant in Basra. The plant, belonging to the General Company for Iron and Steel, will have a production capacity of one million tonnes per year. The project aims to ensure a steady supply of […]

Work Begins at Baghdad's new Waste-to-Energy Power Plant

By John Lee. Construction has started on the Waste-to-Energy Power Plant Project in Al-Nahrawan, Baghdad. With a capacity of 100 megawatts, the plant will use high-efficiency complete combustion technology, according to a statement from the Media Office of the Prime Minister. Iraq's Council of Ministers approved the project in February, awarding it to the Chinese […]

£1.1m Contract for AI Video Analytics in Iraq

By John Lee. icetana Limited (ASX:ICE) has announced its first contract in Iraq, securing a US$1.09 million deal with HTE Electronics Trading LLC, the Dubai-based subsidiary of Al-Technologia Al-Alia Co. for General Trading Ltd (High Tech). The company describes itself as, "a global SaaS software company providing video analytics technology designed to identify abnormal events […]

Construction Starts on Iraq's Tallest Bridge

By John Lee. Following laying of the foundation stone by Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) Prime Minister Masrour Barzani, construction has officially begun on the 40-metre road project in Soran. The five-kilometres-long highway will feature three lanes in each direction, alongside a 2.5-metre-wide pedestrian pavement on both sides. A key highlight of the project is a […]