Unlocking Iraq's Economic Potential -- IMF Report
By John Lee. In a follow-up to last week's report on the state of the Iraqi economy, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) has issued a new 19-page report titled: "Unlocking Iraq's economic potential: The role of structural reforms in boosting medium-term non-oil growth." Click here to download the full report. To browse our comprehensive library […]
IMF Pushes Reform of Iraq's Banking System
By John Lee. A new report from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) has said that the restructuring of state-owned banks (SOBs) can foster the development of the private sector and improve growth. It adds: "Strengthening the financial sector can support private sector credit, fostering investment and growth. "To this end, the authorities are finalizing a […]
Iraq to Build Eco-Friendly Cement Plants in Nineveh
By John Lee. Iraq's Minister of Industry and Minerals, Professor Khaled Battal Al-Najm, has instructed the development of modern, environmentally friendly cement plants in the Badoush and Hammam Al-Alil complexes in Nineveh province. These new facilities will replace outdated plants built in the 1950s that still use the wet process. During his visit to the […]
EU-Funded Gene Bank Launched in Kurdistan
By John Lee. In a landmark move to protect Iraq's agricultural legacy and strengthen its food security, the foundation stone has been laid for the country's first-ever Gene/Seed Bank, located in Hawari Shar Park, Sulaymaniyah. The facility is being funded by the European Union (EU) and implemented by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the […]
EU appoints New Head of Mission in Iraq
By John Lee. The Council of the European Union has appointed Ralf Schröder (pictured) as the new head of mission for the European Union Advisory Mission in Iraq (EUAM Iraq). He will take up his duties on 16th August 2025. According to a statement: Ralf Schröder is a high-ranked German police officer with 30 years […]
TREC, Iraqi Chambers Sign Agreement to Advance Knowledge Economy
By John Lee. The Trade and Economic Research Centre (TREC) has signed a cooperation agreement with the Federation of Iraqi Chambers of Commerce, aiming to bridge the gap between academic research and Iraq's commercial and economic realities. The partnership seeks to promote a knowledge-based economy by translating theoretical studies into practical policies that enhance market […]
Iraq "Exempt from US Tariffs on Oil Exports"
By John Lee. The Ministry of Trade has confirmed that Iraq's oil exports to the United States will not be affected by the newly announced 30-percent U.S. tariff, which was introduced by President Donald Trump to address the trade deficit with Iraq. Trade Ministry spokesperson Mohammed Hanoun said that oil exports are exempt from the […]
Russia eyes New Oil Deals in Iraq
By Alexander Miller, for Eurasia Business News. Any opinions expressed are those of the author(s), and do not necessarily reflect the views of Iraq Business News. Russia eyes new oil deals in Iraq Russia is actively expanding its oil interests in Iraq, capitalizing on opportunities created by Baghdad's need to modernize its hydrocarbon sector and […]
Contract for Vocational Training Center in Kirkuk
By John Lee. Gaith Al-Meshreq has won a contract with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) for the "Renovation and Supply of Equipment and Furniture for Vocational Training Center, Kirkuk Governorate." Contract value is stated as $190,761.37. (Source: UNGM)
LWF: Protecting Women's Rights in Iraq
From the Lutheran World Federation (LWF): The Lutheran World Federation (LWF) has addressed the UN Human Rights Council highlighting key women's rights issues during the council's session that reviewed the human rights situation in Iraq. Iraq has made progress by setting up new shelters, hotline services, and public campaigns addressing violence against women and girls. […]
Iraqi PM Discusses Gas Investment with Shell
By John Lee. Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani received Richard Howe, Executive Vice President of Shell, on Thursday to discuss expanding cooperation in Iraq's energy sector and exploring further investment opportunities. The meeting addressed the execution of major energy projects under existing contracts with international companies, particularly in natural gas investment aimed at achieving self-sufficiency. […]
Trump's Looming Tariffs could Target 4 MENA Countries
By Adam Lucente for Al Monitor. Any opinions expressed here are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of Iraq Business News. From Iraq to Algeria, Trump's looming tariffs could target 4 MENA countries The United States has a trade deficit with Iraq, Algeria, Libya and Tunisia, according to the US […]