Archive | 2025

Kurdistan Region Electricity Reform and the "Runaki" Project

By Mohammed Hussein, for the Institute of Regional and International Studies (IRIS) at the American University of Iraq, Sulaimani (AUIS). The opinions expressed are those of the author(s), and do not necessarily reflect the views of Iraq Business News. Kurdistan Region Electricity Reform and the "Runaki" Project The Kurdistan Region of Iraq (KRI) has struggled […]

Iraq Expands Youth Loan Programme under 'Riyada' Initiative

By John Lee. Prime Minister Mohammed Shiaa Al-Sudani chaired a meeting on Sunday to follow up on the implementation of the government's "Riyada" initiative and the disbursement of youth loans for qualified applicants. Al-Sudani highlighted the initiative's positive reception among young people, describing it as a foundation for a new labour market reality, encouraging private […]

Turkiye Proposes New Agreement on Iraq-Turkiye Oil Pipeline

By John Lee. Turkey's Minister of Energy and Natural Resources, Alparslan Bayraktar, has said that Ankara has proposed a new draft agreement to Iraq regarding the Iraq-Turkiye Oil Pipeline (ITP). In an interview with Sky News Arabia, Bayraktar noted that while the pipeline has a capacity of 1.5 million barrels per day, it has never […]

US Firm to Strengthen Financial Compliance in Iraq

By John Lee. Iraq's Rafidain Bank has signed a professional partnership agreement with U.S.-based consultancy K2 Integrity (K2i), during a ceremony hosted by the Embassy of the Republic of Iraq in Washington. The agreement is grounded in Iraqi Cabinet Resolution No. (23274) of 2023. K2 Integrity will deliver a wide range of services, including anti-money laundering […]

Tabaqchali: Iraq's Power Conundrum

By Ahmed Tabaqchali, for the Institute of Regional and International Studies (IRIS) at the American University of Iraq, Sulaimani (AUIS). The opinions expressed are those of the author(s), and do not necessarily reflect the views of Iraq Business News. Iraq's Power Conundrum This paper aims to unpack Iraq's power conundrum first by reviewing the deficiencies […]

Two Companies compete for Iraq LNG Import Terminal Project

By John Lee. The Iraqi Ministry of Oil has confirmed that it is going ahead with the floating terminal project for importing liquefied natural gas (LNG), stressing its importance for securing electricity generation. The Ministry said that the Council of Ministers and the Ministerial Energy Council have approved implementation mechanisms, including inviting six companies to […]

Apex Health to Develop 400-Bed Baghdad International Hospital

By John Lee. Apex Health, a subsidiary of Qatar's Estithmar Holding, has announced that it has obtained an investment licence from Iraq's National Investment Commission (NIC) to develop a 400-bed private hospital in Baghdad's Al-Zaafaraniyah district (formerly Al-Rashid Camp). The new facility, to be named Baghdad International Hospital, will be built on a 100,000-square-metre riverside […]

Supporting Displaced Iraqis with Loans and Training

By John Lee. Central Bank of Iraq (CBI), in cooperation with the International Labour Organization (ILO), the Iraqi Company for Bank Guarantees (ICBG), and several Iraqi banks, has provided significant financial and training support to displaced persons and host communities in Nineveh and Duhok governorates under the Afaaq programme. The initiative has since been replicated […]

UN in Iraq publishes Annual Results Report 2024

By John Lee. The United Nations (UN) in Iraq has published its Annual Results Report 2024. The United Nations Country Team (UNCT) in Iraq, composed of 23 UN agencies, funds and specialized programmes, is dedicated to supporting Iraq's journey towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Guided by the principle of leaving no one behind, […]

CBI, IFC consider New Leasing Company for Iraqi Start-Ups

By John Lee. Central Bank of Iraq (CBI) Governor Ali Mohsen Al-Alaq has met Bilal Al-Saghir, the International Finance Corporation's (IFC) Resident Representative in Iraq, to discuss strengthening bilateral relations, particularly in training Iraq's banking sector workforce. The parties intend to sign a Memorandum of Understanding on the matter in the coming period. They also […]

Iraq Stock Market Report

Advertising Feature Rabee Securities Iraq Stock Exchange (ISX) market report (trading week ending: 14th Aug 2025. Please click here to view a table of listed companies and their associated ticker codes. RSISX Index Change       RSISX Index Closings Change (w/w) (%) Change (YTD) (%) RSISX IQD Index 2,301.0 -2.3% 2.3% RSISX USD Index […]

US Reiterates Opposition to Iraq PMF Bill

By John Lee. The US State Department has reiterated its opposition to proposed legislation in Iraq concerning the Popular Mobilisation Forces (PMF), warning that it could increase Iranian influence and undermine Iraq's sovereignty. Speaking at a press briefing on Tuesday, State Department Spokesperson Tammy Bruce (pictured) said Washington opposed any legislation inconsistent with the goals […]