Iraq Business News brings you the latest Iraq banking & finance news, with information on developments and opportunities.
In order to meet the specific insurance requirements of oil rig drilling contractors operating in Iraq, Marsh and Anglo Arab Insurance Brokers (AAIB), Iraq Insurance today announced the launch of a new Iraq Land Rig Facility. The facility provides cover for physical loss of or physical damage to drilling rigs and associated equipment, machinery breakdown and […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
Iraq has recovered $116 million [139 billion Iraqi dinars] from bank accounts in France belonging to an official from ex-dictator Saddam Hussein's regime, the country's Commission on Integrity said in a statement. The Commission said the funds comprised $106 million deposited in 'French Arab Union Bank' (UBAF), a French-registered bank whose shareholders include 19 Arab […]
By T. Keyzom Ngodup, co-founder and Executive Director at Ideas sYnergy www.ideas-sYnergy.net, an Iraq based private sector development consulting company. IRAQ INSIGHTS, published by Ideas sYnergy aims to consolidate and build intellectual capital on private sector development, empowering stakeholders to address issues of access and structural reforms on a diverse range of topics impacting inclusive […]
Minister Ali al-Dabbagh, Iraqi Government Spokesman, was interviewed by Padraig O'Hannelly for Iraq Business News at last week's Iraq Mining 2011 conference in London. The first part of the interview can be found here. In this second part of the interview, Dr al-Dabbagh discusses the Hydrocarbon Law, the valuation of the Iraqi dinar, foreign investment […]
Following his address to the Iraq Mining 2011 conference in London, the Chairman of Iraq's National Investment Commission, Dr Sami al-Araji, was interviewed by Padraig O'Hannelly for Iraq Business News: Iraq Business News: Dr al-Araji, in your speech you mentioned the visa problems that Iraqis sometimes have entering the UK; what some businesses are also […]
CNTV video on rumoured revaluation of Iraq's currency, the Iraqi Dinar:
Iraq's Finance Minister told Reuters on Wednesday that the country is targeting inflation of 5 percent in 2012. "I hope that in 2012, with some of the policies of the central bank, to control it (inflation) again to around 5 percent. For 2012, the target is 5 percent," Rafie al-Esawi [Rafi Hiyad al-Issawi, Rafia al-Issawi], pictured, […]
The deputy governor of Iraq's central bank has announced that foreign currency reserves have risen to close to $58 billion, and are expected to increase further thanks to a rise in oil revenues. Mudher Kasim said higher global oil prices could result in a budget surplus for 2011. Reuters quotes him as saying, “(The amount […]
