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The U.S. Embassy in Baghdad, through the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), sponsored Baghdad’s first Startup Weekend June 28-30. More than 100 young Iraqi entrepreneurs participated in the three-day event to discuss tech-oriented business ideas and how to turn the best ideas into viable companies.

A panel of successful entrepreneurs judged the business plans and decided on which were most likely to become successful in the market. The entrepreneurs with the winning plans hope to use the experience to market their product or business model and generate venture capital to support the launch of their businesses. USAID-Iraq’s Deputy Mission Director David Harden attended the event and delivered remarks.

Baghdad Startup Weekend was the second of six such events that the USAID-Foras project has scheduled throughout Iraq. USAID-Foras is dedicated to help Iraqis improve their skills and ability to succeed in the job market, particularly women, youth and other vulnerable populations.

Deputy Mission Director Harden stated:

“It is extremely important that young entrepreneurs find avenues to test their business ideas and see how they can turn them into realities. This is a very rewarding investment for Iraq and its ambitious youth.”

Launched in the United States, Startup Weekend now operates in more than 100 countries and has helped over 10,000 startups get off the ground. The U.S. Embassy and USAID-Foras are proud to support Startup Weekend as part of America’s ongoing commitment to the U.S.-Iraq Strategic Framework Agreement.

(Source: Embassy of the United States)

The provision of healthcare is a priority in Iraq, with the government allocating an estimated $5 billion annually to cover it, and creating three committees to work on a new draft healthcare law.

So far this year, we've seen several initiatives in the sector, including:

• USAID and the Iraqi Ministry of Health hosting the Second Annual Conference of Primary Health Care and Preventive Medicine in Baghdad in February;
• The Iranian Red Crescent Society (IRCS) announcing the development of two new clinics for pilgrims in Najaf and Karbala;
• Work starting on a $350-million project to build an integrated, modern 'medical city' in Baghdad;
• Japan's Shimadzu winning a contract to supply X-ray equipment to the Iraqi government.

Iraq Business News is also pleased to have been selected as the official online media partner for the Iraq Healthcare Conference, which takes place in Erbil on 27th and 28th of May.

To keep abreast of developments in this increasingly important sector, please sign up to our newsletter, and check out the Healthcare tab on our website.

Whatever sector of the economy your business operates in, Upper Quartile and AAIB are here to help you. For more information please contact Gavin Jones or Adrian Shaw.

The United States Government, through the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Iraqi Ministry of Health, outlining U.S. support for the Ministry to strengthen its service delivery and overall management.

The agreement is part of the U.S. commitment to support efforts by the Government of Iraq to improve the efficiency and transparency of its ministries as called for under the U.S.–Iraq Strategic Framework Agreement. The signing ceremony was attended by Deputy Minister of Health Dr. Isam Namiq and USAID Deputy Mission Director David Harden.

Support to the Ministry of Health will be conducted through the USAID-Tarabot project. USAID will cooperate with the Ministry to improve program implementation and service delivery to Iraqi citizens, and will also help the Ministry decentralize some responsibilities to the provincial level, leading to a decrease in bureaucratic processing, and an increase in faster, and more efficient assistance to Iraqis.

Dr. Namiq said:

"We welcome USAID's help and cooperation to implement this MOU.” Mr. Harden stated, “By signing this agreement, USAID emphasizes its commitment to work with the Ministry of Health to help it deliver the best possible services to Iraqi citizens."

USAID-Tarabot is a four-year administrative reform project launched in July 2011. It focuses on three major components of reform: civil service reform, national policy management, and administrative decentralization. These components assist the Government of Iraq to implement far-reaching reforms to improve efficiency and transparency in the management of the public sector.

(Source: Embassy of the United States)

The Louis Berger Group has announced that it will help the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) to start up the Erbil Stock Exchange (ESX) in Iraq’s Kurdistan region, a joint endeavor of the Iraqi government and private sector to build a modern securities market.

“The launch of the ESX initiative is yet another testimony of the commitment of the people of our region to not only showcase the positive developments in Kurdistan, but to also position the region as the gateway to Iraq and its growth-oriented companies,” said Abdullah A. Abdul Rahem (Abo Bangin), chairman of the ESX, at the recent contract signing ceremony.

Louis Berger will provide technical assistance toward the establishment of the ESX. Key tasks will include developing and implementing a business plan; recruiting and training exchange staff; and selecting and installing trading, clearance and settlement systems infrastructure. Louis Berger will work closely with the region’s senior ministers, including the prime minister’s office, as well as prominent community businesses, financial institutions, investors and other stakeholders.

“This high-profile initiative is an example of the diversity of our company’s work. The project presents an opportunity to help reshape a region’s financial and economic system through developing modern financial market infrastructure that boosts development,” said Charles Bell (pictured), Louis Berger’s Integrated Development group vice president. “The ESX will open a new frontier of financing to growth-oriented companies, while generating new opportunities for investors to start or diversify their securities investments.”

Work on the ESX will begin in April. Louis Berger’s technical team has worked on other stock exchanges and recently completed an effort to strengthen the Iraqi financial sector under the USAID-funded Tijara program, a five-year initiative to promote private sector growth and employment in Iraq.

(Source: Louis Berger)

The United States Government, through the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Iraqi Ministry of Oil on March 17. This agreement outlines U.S. support for the Ministry to improve the effectiveness and transparency of its operations.

Held at the U.S. Embassy in Baghdad, the signing ceremony was attended by the Ministry’s Director General for Development and Training Iqdam Mohamed Ridha and USAID Mission Director Thomas Staal.

Support to the Ministry will be delivered through the USAID’s Administrative Reform Project “Tarabot” under the auspices of the U.S.-Iraq Strategic Framework Agreement. USAID-Tarabot will help the Ministry enhance current service delivery and transparency to better meet the needs of the Iraqi people, including improving procurement practices and implementing the new Iraq Development Management System – state-of-the-art software used to manage the Ministry’s capital investment budget. This builds on a previous USAID effort launched in 2007 under the completed Tatweer project to help the Ministry manage its resources.

During the ceremony, Mr. Ridha expressed his optimism for the agreement, stating, “I think the cooperation that this agreement represents will be very beneficial to the Ministry. USAID-Tarabot has done outstanding work in other GOI ministries, and we look forward to the same with our Ministry.”

Mr. Staal noted, “Signing this agreement is part of the U.S. commitment to help Iraq manage its resources more efficiently to benefit its citizens.”

(Source: Embassy of the United States)

U.S. Ambassador to Iraq Stephen Beecroft (pictured) and USAID Deputy Mission Director David Harden celebrated on February 25 the completion of the U.S. Agency for International Development’s (USAID) five-year, $192 million Provincial Economic Growth Program-Tijara.

Through partnership and joint cooperation with the Iraqi Ministry of Trade, project beneficiaries, and representatives from microfinance institutions, the Tijara project advanced provincial economic development in Iraq by improving access to finance and business development services for micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises.

The project supported 12 microfinance institutions by extending loan capital, training and technical assistance, resulting in more than 447,000 loans worth one billion dollars and generating more than 220,000 jobs. Tijara also trained more than 8,300 young Iraqis in entrepreneurship and workplace skills. Additionally, USAID worked closely to support Iraqi families, including ethnic and religious minorities and internally displaced persons, by providing 4,270 loans totaling $21.5 million to these vulnerable populations.

During his remarks, Ambassador Beecroft noted that, “the Tijara project was aimed at helping all of the citizens of Iraq to have access to financial services. We believe that every Iraqi should have an opportunity to start a business and a chance to work hard, achieve their dreams and build a future for their family.” USAID’s Harden added, “We are proud to be a part of a project that is improving the lives of so many Iraqis. Along with our Iraqi partners, we helped create a sustainable microfinance industry where entrepreneurs can start or grow their businesses, create jobs, and invest in their country.”

The Provincial Economic Growth Program-Tijara underscores the U.S. commitment to build a prosperous and diversified Iraqi economy as outlined in the U.S.-Iraq the Strategic Framework Agreement.

(Source: Embassy of the United States)

The U.S. Embassy, through the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) and the Iraqi Ministry of Health, hosted the Second Annual Conference of Primary Health Care and Preventive Medicine in Baghdad February 26 - 27.

The Iraqi Minister of Health, Dr. Majeed Hamad Ameen, and USAID Deputy Mission Director, David Harden, attended the conference.

USAID is working with the Ministry of Health to modernize primary health care by improving the quality of care, enhancing administration and management of health services, encouraging better provider-client relationships, and increasing community involvement. These improvements will give Iraq’s citizens access to quality health care that meets international standards.

Addressing the conference attendees, Minister of Health, Dr. Ameen said, “USAID's support for the Iraqi health sector has been instrumental in helping reform this vital sector.” USAID Deputy Mission Director Harden said, "All Iraqis should have access to routine, high-quality, health care.

The Iraqi government is taking steps to improve the country's health care system and we are happy to support them in their efforts." USAID’s Primary Health Care Project is providing technical assistance to 360 health clinics, including 36 model clinics, throughout Iraq. The project is an important element of the U.S.-Iraq engagement under the Strategic Framework Agreement.

(Source: Embassy of the United States)

The U.S. Embassy, through the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) and working with the Government of Iraq (GOI) and private sector leaders, has launched the second phase of the Iraqi Solutions for Administrative and Regulatory Reform (ISRAR) project at Nahrain University. The Chairman of the Prime Minister’s Advisory Council Dr. Thamer Al Ghadhban, and the USAID Iraq Mission Director, Thomas Staal, attended the event.

ISRAR seeks to create a diversified, competitive economy in Iraq that attracts investment and creates jobs by simplifying and eliminating regulations that hinder economic growth, particularly in the areas of business start-up, construction permits, and import-export licensing.

USAID Mission Director Thomas Staal highlighted the importance of ISRAR stating that:

"What we see here today is an important step in U.S.-Iraq cooperation to help Iraq create a business-friendly environment that facilitates private-sector economic growth and job creation."

Dr. Ghadhban said:

"ISRAR is a national project and all efforts should be exerted to ensure its success and this success will raise Iraq’s economic status in the world."

In November, ISRAR unveiled a first set of 133 specific recommendations to streamline business in Iraq and in turn improve Iraq’s rank in the World Bank Doing Business Report. The ISRAR recommendations will reduce the time needed to register a business from 74 days to 4 days. The Ministry of Trade began implementing several ISRAR recommendations and eliminated specific unnecessary regulations. ISRAR estimates the Iraqi economy will save over $1 billion over the next five years if all recommendations are implemented. ISRAR is part of the U.S. Embassy’s efforts to help Iraq increase economic opportunity and prosperity for all its people, as outlined in the Strategic Framework Agreement.

(Source: US Embassy)

The U.S. Embassy, through the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), hosted the Law School Legal Clinic Best Practices Training for six Iraqi law schools in Baghdad from February 5 - 7, 2013.

USAID assists Iraqi law schools to integrate clinical legal education into their curricula and to establish legal aid clinics. These law school clinics enable students, under the direction of senior professors, to gain practical skills while assisting Iraq’s vulnerable populations.

Addressing the students on February 6, USAID Deputy Mission Director David Harden said:

"The law school deans reiterated the value of clinical legal education as an experiential learning tool and a dynamic way to fight for justice for some of Iraq’s most marginalized citizens."

After establishing the first legal clinic at the Baghdad Law School, the USAID project is supporting six additional law schools’ efforts to develop clinical legal education. USAID’s Access to Justice Project is an important element of the U.S.-Iraq engagement under the Strategic Framework Agreement. The project supports the Iraqi judicial system through bilateral professional development programs.

(Source: US Embassy)

By Omar al-Shaher for Al-Monitor. Any opinions expressed are those of the author, and do not necessarily reflect the views of Iraq Business News.

Revenues from Iraqi ports reached $30 million in December 2012, the highest monthly yield in their history. Meanwhile, the Ministry of Transport is preparing to open the Iraqi Container Port in the city of Basra during the next few months, in order to meet a growing demand for shipping.

Times are good at Iraqi ports, despite controversy surrounding the desire of political parties in Basra to impose their control over them. Iraq has had specialized maritime equipment and experience in this field since the 1930s, when the country established a number of ports to reinforce its position overlooking the Persian Gulf.

The progress made by Iraq with its ports is reflected in the fact that some officials have succeeded in isolating the files they manage from the local political quarrels that have hindered economic prosperity in a country that depends on oil revenues to meet 92% of its financial needs.

For example, over the past year Iraq's ports have been subjected to tremendous pressure, and have responded to a cargo-unloading demand that has surpassed their intended capabilities. Basra's ports have a combined cargo-unloading capacity of about 27,000 tons per day. However, these ports have been known to unload 42,000 tons on some days.

In the past year, Iraq has increased the capacity of its maritime navigational channel from 2,000 ships annually to more than 8,000, a big leap by any measure.