Author Archive | Editor

Iraq's Alsaree3 secures New Seven-Figure Investment

By John Lee. Food and last-mile delivery service Alsaree3 has announced that it has successfully closed its 'Series A' capital raising round, securing an undisclosed seven-figure investment. A press release describes this funding round as particularly noteworthy due to the participation of Snoonu, which it says is Qatar's leading food delivery and e-commerce platform. It […]

UK Trade with Iraq Up 15%

By John Lee. The UK's Department for Business and Trade has said that total trade in goods and services (exports plus imports) between the UK and Iraq was £1.1 billion in the four quarters to the end of Q4 2023, an increase of 15.4% or £141 million in current prices from the four quarters to […]

Iraqi Cabinet Approves Measures to Enhance Electricity Supply

By John Lee. In its latest session, the Iraqi Cabinet has approved several measures to address the electricity needs during peak summer periods and to develop the country's power infrastructure. The key decisions include: Contract with Mass Holding Company: The Ministry of Electricity has been authorized to contract with Mass Holding Company to supply electricity […]

World Bank Cuts Iraq Growth Forecast

By John Lee. Real GDP is expected to fall by 0.3 percent this year, according to the World Bank's latest Global Economic Prospects report. This represents a significant reduction on the previous forecast of 4.2 percent growth, issued in January. The report says, "oil production cuts have partly contributed to weakened activity in Iraq", adding, " projected […]

Iraqi Govt to launch Tech Incubators in Universities

By John Lee. Iraq's Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research has announced the launch of technological and scientific incubators in universities. Addressing the first conference on technological and scientific incubators, Dr. Naeem Abd Yaser Al-Aboudi said the initiative is a continuation of the government's support for innovation and entrepreneurship, with a view to promoting […]

Ukraine Appoints New Ambassador to Iraq

By John Lee. Ukrainian President has named a new ambassador to Iraq. In a statement on Friday, Volodymyr Zelenskyy appointed Ivan Ivanovych Dovganych [Dovhanych] to the role. In April, Iraq signed a contract with Ukrainian company Ukrzemresurs to develop the Akkas gas field in Anbar Province. (Source: Office of the Ukrainian President)

New Bids Sought for Sadr City Housing Project

By John Lee. Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani chaired a meeting on Sunday with the higher committee overseeing the New Sadr City Project. The meeting focused on the steps needed to complete this significant residential project and the overall financing mechanism to ensure all requirements are met. Al-Sudani instructed the Ministry of Electricity to quickly […]

Oil Firms in Iraqi Kurdistan would Sell Crude via Baghdad

By John Lee. An industry group representing international oil companies (IOCs) in Iraqi Kurdistan has said that its members would agree to direct sales agreements with the State Oil Marketing Organization (SOMO), which is controlled by Baghdad's Ministry of Oil. A statement from the Association of the Petroleum Industry of Kurdistan (APIKUR) on Friday, issued […]

AMAR Yazidi Women's Peace Choir Tours UK

The AMAR 'Ashty' Yazidi Women's Peace Choir, a symbol of resilience and cultural preservation, is set to embark on a groundbreaking tour of the United Kingdom. The tour will feature live performances and recording sessions, showcasing the rich heritage of the Yazidi community. Comprising eight talented singers from the Khanke refugee camp near Dohuk in […]

PM urges Lifting of EU Ban on Iraqi Airways

By John Lee. Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani chaired a meeting on Sunday with the committee tasked with lifting the European Union (EU) ban on Iraqi Airways. The committee reviewed the steps taken to meet the ban's requirements, efforts to automate all aspects of the airline's operations, aircraft maintenance, staff training, and service improvements to […]

GKP Shares Rise on Dividend Announcement

By John Lee. Shares in Gulf Keystone Petroleum (GKP) closed up more than six percent on Friday, after the company announced that it will pay an interim dividend. The company had cancelled its dividend in May 2023, follow disruption to oil exports from the Kurdistan Region. An increase in sales to local customers had allowed […]