Aiming to play their role in the transformation of Kurdistan into one of the most go-ahead regions of the Middle East, large numbers of students from the Kurdistan Region have been flocking to UK universities, backed by a scholarship programme. The University of Huddersfield has enrolled 30 Kurds – for courses that range from computer […]
Commencing on September 26, 2011, Iraq 2011: Future Energy is an industry summit strategically designed to provide stakeholders in the energy sector with a comprehensive understanding on how to develop a highly efficient and profitable industry with a focus on Iraq. Iraq’s oil and gas, power, electricity and infrastructure sectors have significant opportunities and financial […]
According to Kurdish Globe, as merger awaits final approval by the KRG, analyst believes that the move is ‘good sentiment for the region’. The UK-based Vallares PLC, listed in the London Stock Exchange and led by former BP Plc Chief Executive Officer Tony Hayward, announced on 7 September 2011, its plans to merge with the […]
The first of two new reports posted today on the IBN website puts the Iraq private banking sector under the spotlight. ‘Perspective on Iraqi private banks’ is researched and written by Ahmad Saleh and Tom Opdyke of IraqiXchange. The eight page report provides vital background data plus key stats on the sector. The second report […]
Last week we asked readers to submit their three main suggestions to improve Iraq, and thanks to all who contributed so far. It's noticeable that none of the suggestions included adding an additional layer of administration, which if recent reports are to be believed is a favourite solution of some of Iraq's politicians. The good […]
The Chairman of the Baghdad Investment Commission, Shaker A. Shabib, spoke recently with Padraig O'Hannelly for Iraq Business News, and outlined the opportunities available in Iraq's capital: Iraq Business News: I'd like to ask you firstly about the opportunities that are available in Baghdad; we hear a lot about the oil producing regions, but what […]
DNO International today [Wednesday] received a second payment of USD 60 million from the Kurdistan Regional Government in respect of oil exports from the Tawke field operated by the Company in northern Iraq. A first payment of USD 103.7 million was received in June 2011. The Company had previously reported temporary reductions in production from […]
The following article was published by Reidar Visser, an historian of Iraq educated at the University of Oxford and currently based at the Norwegian Institute of International Affairs. It is reproduced here with the author’s permission. Any opinions expressed are those of the author, and do not necessarily reflect the views of Iraq Business News. […]
According to U.S Energy Information Administration data, Iraq generates the majority of its revenue by exporting oil and importing about 30% of the gasoline it uses. The country is now seeking $30 billion in foreign investment to build refineries and develop oil and gas fields to avoid importing gasoline and diesel. Iraq Mega Projects 2011 […]
Iraq's cabinet plans a substantial boost in public spending next year in a draft budget proposed on Sunday, government spokesman Ali al-Dabbagh said in a statement. AFP reports that the $111-billion spending programme for 2012 is a 36 percent increase on the same figure for this year, with 15 percent of next year's budget allocated […]
Iraq’s extensive rebuilding requirements could make it “the next Saudi Arabia” for contractors and suppliers, according to an executive at MAN Trucks. Construction Weekly reports that Dave van Graan, vice president of sales at the German heavy vehicle giant, said the gradual pick up in demand for machinery to help develop Iraq has already given […]
Most of Iraq’s revenue comes from oil. But natural riches may also mean fewer political freedoms and a state that behaves like a charity toward its own people. This must change, an Iraqi economist Nagih al-Obeidi argues in this article from Niqash. The economic and political theory on “rentier states” says that a nation that […]
