Iraq and Brazil to Sign Agricultural MoUs
By John Lee. Iraq and Brazil have agreed to proceed with signing memoranda of understanding (MoUs) covering livestock and crop production, following talks between Agriculture Minister Abdul-Rahim Jassim and Brazilian Ambassador Alfredo Leoni. The discussions focused on developing the poultry sector and expanding broader agricultural cooperation. The ambassador also extended an invitation to the minister […]
New OTC Listings for Iraqi Insurance Companies
By John Lee. Eight insurance companies have been approved for listing, deposit, and trading on Iraq's over-the-counter (OTC) platform. According to the Iraq Securities Commission (ISC), the decision was taken at the commission's seventh session on 18th August 2026. The companies admitted to the OTC platform are: Al-Dhaminoun Insurance Company Al-Sadiq Insurance Company Al-Murtakaz Insurance […]
Syria and Iraq discuss Trade Expansion
By John Lee. Iraq and Syria have discussed expanding bilateral trade and increasing Iraqi exports to the Syrian market, with cement and asphalt identified as priority commodities. The talks took place on the sidelines of the 118th ordinary session of the Arab League's Economic and Social Council. Minister of Trade Mustafa Nizar Jumaa met with […]
Iraq-Korea Business Council Talks on Economic and Trade Ties
By John Lee. Iraq's Ministry of Trade has held talks with the Iraq-Korea Business Council to discuss strengthening economic and trade relations and advancing private sector support plans. Dr. Malik Khalaf al-Durai'i, Director-General of the Private Sector Development Directorate, visited the council's headquarters and met with its president and members. He underlined the importance of […]
Iraq Deficit "May Prompt Return to Int'l Debt Market"
By Nadim Kawach, for Arabian Gulf Business Insight (AGBI). Any opinions expressed here are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of Iraq Business News. Iraq Deficit May Prompt Return to International Debt Market Iraq is considering a return to the international debt market to cope with a budget deficit swollen […]
Iraqi Customs Revenue to Exceed $3bn by Year-End
By John Lee. Iraqi customs revenues are expected to reach 4 trillion dinars ($3.05 billion) by the end of 2025, up from around 800 billion dinars ($610 million) before the introduction of the ASYCUDA (Automated System for Customs Data) system in 2022. The director-general of the General Customs Authority, Thamer Qasim (pictured), attributed the rise […]
Ford Names New Iraqi Distributor
By John Lee. Ford Middle East and North Africa has appointed Shimal Al Jazeera Auto-Trading and Commercial Agencies (SAT) as its distributor partner in Iraq, effective 1 October 2026. According to a press release from Ford, SAT is a strategic alliance between March Holding, a regional investment group with a diversified portfolio across technology, financial […]
Iraq-Palestine Talks on Pharmaceutical Market Access
By John Lee. Iraq and Palestine have discussed cooperation on the pharmaceutical sector, including procedures for registering Palestinian drug products with Iraqi authorities to facilitate their entry into the Iraqi market. The talks took place on the sidelines of the 118th regular session of the Arab League's Economic and Social Council, where Minister of Trade […]
ILO-Iraq Workshop Planned on Small Business Resilience
By John Lee. Iraq's Ministry of Planning has held a virtual meeting with the International Labour Organization (ILO) to discuss organising a workshop on building inclusive and risk-informed small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Iraq, as part of efforts to support sustainable recovery and local economic development. According to the Ministry of Planning, the workshop […]
Iraq-Tunisia Trade Talks at Arab League Economic Council
By John Lee. Trade relations between Iraq and Tunisia were discussed on the sidelines of the 118th ordinary session of the Economic and Social Council of the Arab League, with both sides exploring ways to increase bilateral trade and expand Iraqi exports to the Tunisian market. According to the Iraqi Ministry of Trade, Minister Mustafa […]
CBI Revokes Licences of Three Forex Companies
By John Lee. The Central Bank of Iraq (CBI) has revoked the licences of three exchange companies - Al-Aswar, Al-Qattaf, and Al-Anamel - for falsifying cash-sale records for travellers. Under Decision No. 138 of 2026, the CBI has also required the companies to return the dollar amounts involved in the violating transactions, or the exchange […]
ISC Cautions Investors Over Fraudulent Financial Entities
By John Lee. The Iraq Securities Commission (ISC) has warned citizens and investors against dealing with unlicensed companies and entities that promote investment services or opportunities without regulatory approval. According to the ISC, some entities use trade names, websites, or social media pages to present themselves as authorised financial or investment institutions, and offer promises […]