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By John Lee.

Saudi Arabia's Minister of Energy, Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, held a meeting in Riyadh with Iraqi Minister of Electricity, Engineer Ziad Ali Fadel.

During the meeting, they discussed the developments in the electrical interconnection project between the two countries.

This project will contribute to supporting the reliability of the electrical networks in both countries, achieving economic savings, in addition to promoting the optimal energy mix for electricity production, supporting the integration of renewable energy into the electrical networks, and achieving the optimal investment in electricity generation projects.

The meeting also addressed opportunities for cooperation between the two countries in the field of renewable energy, and the use of the potentials and experiences of ACWA Power in this vital field, and its contribution to developing future projects in Iraq.

The meeting discussed the Kingdom's pioneering experience in smart meters and how to transfer it to the Iraqi side, and the opportunities for Saudi companies - in addition to Iraqi companies - as contractors and manufacturers in developing the infrastructure of smart meters.

The Iraqi side was briefed on the financial and regulatory reforms that the electricity sector in the Kingdom has witnessed over the past three years, and the possibility of exchanging experiences between the two countries in this field.

(Source: Saudi Ministry of Energy)

By John Lee.

Iraqi Airways has started new flights between Baghdad, Moscow (Russia) and Medina (Saudi Arabia).

The Ministry of Transport announced the resumption of these routes this week, after a hiatus of more than three decades.

The Director General of Iraqi Airways, Eng. Karim Kazem Hussein, added that the fleet will continue to be upgraded with modern aircraft.

(Sources: Ministry of Transport, Iraqi Airways)

Statement from US National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan Welcoming Developments in Iraq's Energy Sector

We welcome significant progress in Iraq this week with respect to energy deals that further strengthen Iraq's sovereignty, independence, and economic prosperity.

First, the Government of Iraq and the Kurdistan Regional Government reached a historic agreement on the export of oil and management of revenues through the Iraq-Turkey Pipeline. This agreement paves the way for a multi-year budget now before Iraq's Council of Representatives and an eventual hydrocarbons law for long-term stability and predictability in Iraq's energy sector.

Second, the Government of Iraq reached an unprecedented $27 billion deal with France's TotalEnergies, including a project to enable the recapture and use of flared gas in southern Iraq. Once implemented, this historic project will increase electricity supply for the benefit of the Iraqi people, advance Iraq's energy self-sufficiency, reduce harmful climate effects from flared gas in southern Iraq, and allow for the export of gas products to new markets.

We are pleased that companies from Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United States will play important roles in this infrastructure project. The United States is proud to support these and other regional projects and ongoing diplomatic initiatives to advance a more stable, interconnected, and prosperous Middle East region, which ultimately benefits the United States and the American people.

(Source: The White House)

By Michael Knights, Hamdi Malik and Crispin Smith, for the Washington Institute for Near East Policy. Any opinions expressed are those of the author(s), and do not necessarily reflect the views of Iraq Business News.

The Muhandis Company: Iraq's Khatam al-Anbia

Similar to Iran's Revolutionary Guards, Iraqi "resistance" groups have long sought a company with preferential access to lucrative state contracts, and the Sudani government is finally providing them after years of opposition-on the Saudi border no less.

Click here to read the full report.

By John Lee.

The Iraqi Minister of Electricity, Ziyad Ali Fadel, held a meeting this week with the Saudi Export Development Authority (SEDA).

Among the items discussed was the reconstruction of Baiji thermal and gas stations Nos. 1 and 2, and the possibility that these will be financed by the Saudi Export Fund.

(Source: Ministry of Electricity)

By John Lee.

TotalEnergies has confirmed that it will proceed with the Gas Growth Integrated Project (GGIP) in Iraq.

In a statement to the markets on Wednesday, it added that QatarEnergy to take a 25-percent stake in the project.

Also, in agreement with Iraqi authorities, TotalEnergies will invite the Saudi company ACWA Power to join its 1GW solar project in Basra.

The full text of the TotalEnergies statement follows:

While confirming all the terms of the Development & Production Contract signed in 2021, TotalEnergies (Paris:TTE) (LSE:TTE) (NYSE:TTE) and the Iraqi Government have, through exchanges in the past months, including in 4 occasions between Prime Minister Al-Sudani and Chairman & CEO Patrick Pouyanné, jointly defined the necessary conditions and mutual insurances to move forward with the Gas Growth Integrated Project (GGIP).

The Iraqi Government and TotalEnergies have agreed on a 30% stake for the Basrah Oil Company (BOC) in the GGIP. Furthermore, in agreement with the Iraqi Government, TotalEnergies has invited QatarEnergy to take a 25% stake in the GGIP.

The consortium will thus be composed of TotalEnergies (45%), Basrah Oil Company (30%) and QatarEnergy (25%).

TotalEnergies welcomes the continuity of the voice of the State of Iraq on this Development & Production Contract, which is a strong and positive signal for foreign investment in the country.

Signed in September 2021, the GGIP has for main purpose to enhance the development of Iraq's natural resources to improve the country's electricity supply.

According to these agreements, TotalEnergies and its partners will invest approximately $10 billion (100% share):

• to recover flared gas on three oil fields in order to supply gas to power generation plants,
• to build a seawater treatment plant in order to provide water injection for pressure maintenance to increase regional oil production, as an alternative to the use of fresh water from rivers and aquifers.

Furthermore, TotalEnergies will develop a 1 GW solar power plant to supply electricity to the Basrah regional grid. In agreement with Iraqi authorities, TotalEnergies will invite the Saudi company ACWA Power to join this solar project.

(Source: TotalEnergies)

Iraq, at the crossroads of several trade routes in the Middle East, has become the 78th country to accede to the United Nations TIR Convention.

Iraq's accession to the TIR Convention anchors its strategic role as a transit hub and supports the country's economic vision to expand its non-oil sectors.

The TIR system will boost regional trade and stimulate economic development and stability in Iraq and the wider region.

IRU Secretary General Umberto de Pretto said:

"We are thrilled that Iraq has joined the TIR system.

"This development will allow Iraq to fulfil its huge potential as a regional trade hub, supporting east-west and north-south connectivity.

"Iraq's accession to the TIR Convention is a golden opportunity to confirm the country's readiness to leverage the potential of international trade in supporting economic growth and driving prosperity and development."

Globally recognised for its high security standards and efficiency, the TIR system has been rapidly expanding in the Middle East. From Oman and the United Arab Emirates to Saudi Arabia, and most recently in Qatar, TIR is already significantly reducing border-crossing times and boosting trade in the region.

(Source: IRU)

By John Lee.

Oil prices surged on Monday after several producers, including Iraq, announced an unexpected cut in production.

Iraq's Ministry of Oil said it has voluntarily decided to reduce production by 211,000 barrels per day (bpd), starting from May, and continuring until the end of 2023.

According to BBC, Saudi Arabia is reducing output by 500,000 bpd, with the UAE, Kuwait, Algeria and Oman also making cuts.

(Sources: Ministry of Oil, BBC)

By John Lee.

The Saudi EXIM Bank has announced the signing of an agreement with Iraqi Islamic Bank for Investment and Development for a new, SAR75-million [$20 million] credit line.

The new credit line is the latest addition to the broad portfolio of financial instruments that Saudi EXIM Bank provides to national financial institutions to help facilitate trade with Iraq and boost Saudi exports to the brotherly nation.

The agreement is part of Saudi EXIM Banks's efforts to facilitate investment opportunities that establish and strengthen trade relations between Saudi Arabia and neighboring countries. It is also one of several financial solutions designed to help grow non-oil Saudi exports and increase their global competitiveness.

With these objectives in focus, the agreement is designed to maximize trade between the two countries, minimize risk, and bridge gaps in funding for Saudi exports to Iraq.

The agreement was signed by H.E. Eng. Saad Alkhalb, the Chief Executive Officer of Saudi EXIM Bank, and Mr. Humam Thamer Kadhum, Managing Director of Iraqi Islamic Bank for Investment and Development. Mr. Ahmed W. Ahmed, the Iraqi bank's Chairman, and top executives from both sides were also present at the event.

"The new agreement is an extension of our strategic partnership with the Iraqi Islamic Bank for Investment and Development that is aimed at creating investment opportunities for stronger trade between our countries," said Alkhalb.

The agreement, he explained, lays the groundwork for a new credit line that helps financial institutions in both countries to fund Iraqi importers of Saudi goods at competitive rates.

He reiterated Saudi EXIM Bank's willingness to build effective partnerships that facilitate sustainable credit solutions for a dynamic, diverse economy. A key target of vision 2030 is to increase the share of non-oil exports in the Kingdom's gross domestic product from about 16 percent to at least 50 percent by 2030.

Ahmed W. Ahmed, the Chairman of Iraqi Islamic Bank for Investment and Development, said that the agreement enables new credit lines to revitalize mutual trade, empower regional financial institutions to support their respective economies, and create opportunities for imports and exports. Mutual trade has been growing thanks to the reputation for quality that Saudi products have built in Iraq.

(Source: Saudi EXIM Bank)

Advertising Feature

Rabee Securities Iraq Stock Exchange (ISX) market report (week ending: 30th March 2023).

Please click here to view a table of listed companies and their associated ticker codes.

*Selling price of the dollar from banks and non-bank financial institutions to the final beneficiary

**Selling price of the dollar by the CBI to the banks

ISX Company Announcements

• Saudi Arabia's Export-Import (EXIM) Bank signed a new credit line contract with the Iraqi Islamic Bank for Investment and Development (BIIB). The deal will be worth $20 mn and will be utilized to finance Saudi exports to Iraq. The agreement will open new investment opportunities that will boost economic operations between the two countries.
• National Company for Tourism Investment (HNTI) invited its shareholders to receive their cash dividends for the year 2021 at the company's headquarters in Baghdad.

Stocks that resumed / will resume trading:

• Al-Mansour Hotels (HMAN) resumed trading on Mar. 28 after holding its AGM on Mar. 19 in which they discussed and approved 2021 annual financial statements and elected five original and three alternative board members for the private sector.

Stocks that were suspended / will be suspended from trading:

• ISX will suspend trading of National Bank of Iraq (BNOI) on Apr. 11 due to the AGM that will be held on Apr. 16 to discuss and approve 2022 annual financial statements, dividend distribution, increasing the capital through 11.11% bonus issue to IQD300 bn, and adopting the cumulative voting method.

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