By John Lee. The Central Bank of Iraq (CBI) has reported a 5.4-percent increase in banking sector loans and advances in Q4 2024, reaching IQD 64.12 trillion [$49 billion], up from IQD 60.81 trillion in the same period of 2023. According to state-run Iraqi News Agency (INA), the CBI noted that this growth reflects improved […]
By John Lee. Iraq's Federal Commission of Integrity (COI) has called on United Nations Convention Against Corruption (UNCAC) member states to enhance legal cooperation in recovering stolen assets and illicit funds. During a meeting with Swiss Ambassador Daniel Hunn, COI Chairman Dr. Mohammed Ali Al-Lami stressed Iraq's commitment to eradicating corruption and preventing capital flight, […]
By John Lee. Prime Minister Mohammed S. Al-Sudani met with Branislav Žeželj, the Serbian Ambassador to Iraq, on Tuesday, to discuss bilateral relations and economic cooperation. During the meeting, the Prime Minister received an official invitation from the Serbian President to visit Belgrade, as well as an invitation for Iraq to participate in Expo 2027, […]
By John Lee. The Iraqi Council of Ministers has authorised the Minister of Finance, or her delegate, to sign a loan agreement with the Agence Française de Développement (AFD) to finance the Al-Hamza District Sewer Project in Al-Diwaniyah Province. This approval falls under Federal Budget Law No. 13 of 2023, covering fiscal years 2023-2025, for […]
By John Lee. Prime Minister Mohammed S. Al-Sudani announced five developmental projects and programs aimed at supporting and empowering women, during a celebration marking the National Day of Iraqi Women on March 3. The initiatives include: The Third National Plan for Women, Peace, and Security (2025-2030) to enhance women's participation in decision-making, strengthen protections against […]
By John Lee. The Central Bank of Iraq (CBI) has reported a 45.1-percent increase in its gold reserves in Q4 2024 compared to the same period in 2023. Reserves rose from IQD 12.29 trillion in Q4 2023 to IQD 17.83 trillion [$13.6 billion] in Q4 2024, driven by both an increase in gold holdings and […]
By John Lee. Iraq's State Oil Marketing Organization (SOMO) has announced Ali Nizar Fayeq al-Shatari as its next Director General. He succeeds Khudhyer Abbas Abed, who has held the role for less than a year. Originally qualified as a chemical engineer from the University of Baghdad, Al-Shatari completed an MSc in Energy Economics and Policy […]
By John Lee. Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed S. Al-Sudani met with PowerChina CEO Chen Guanfu and his delegation to review the company's ongoing energy projects in Iraq, including solar energy, combined cycle, and gas power plants. The discussions focused on expanding PowerChina's operations in line with the government's strategic energy diversification plans. The meeting also […]
By John Lee. Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed S. Al-Sudani chaired a meeting of the National Team for Renewable Energy Projects and Energy Efficiency, where he reviewed plans to enhance clean energy production and improve energy efficiency across Iraq. The Prime Minister emphasized the critical role of solar power in reducing reliance on traditional fuels and […]
By John Lee. Iraq has improved slightly in the Economist Intelligence Unit's annual Democracy Index. Rising two places to 126th out of 167 countries, Iraq is classified as "authoritarian", and scores lower than countries such as Jordan, United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Zimbabwe, but higher than Kuwait, Saudi Arabia and Iran. The report finds that […]
From United Nations Iraq. Any opinions expressed are those of the author(s), and do not necessarily reflect the views of Iraq Business News. Building Entrepreneurial Skills to Support MSMEs and Job Creation in Iraq The International Labour Organization (ILO) is strengthening the entrepreneurial ecosystem in Iraq by providing training to support micro, small, and medium-sized […]
By John Lee. Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed S. Al-Sudani concluded his visit to Al-Muthanna Governorate, during which he launched and inaugurated several key projects across energy, housing, healthcare, infrastructure, and industry. Key Announcements: Energy Sector: Launched construction of the Samawa Gas Power Plant (250 MW) as an investment project. Approved the establishment of a new […]
