100 Days of Trump: What it means for Iraq
By Padraig O'Hannelly. As Donald Trump completes his first 100 days in as US President, what effect have his policies had on the Iraqi economy? Firstly, it's worth noting that the main implications of Trump's policies for Iraq have been the indirect results of decisions not directly targeted at Iraq. Increased tariffs and the resultant […]
Iraqi-Spanish Company to grow Olives in Wasit
By John Lee. Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed S. Al-Sudani chaired the regular meeting of Iraq's Higher Committee for Construction and Investment on Sunday, reviewing agenda items and proposed projects, and making key decisions. He underscored the need to simplify administrative procedures to support the investment environment and called on ministries to focus efforts on projects […]
Major New Hotel Opens in Baghdad
By John Lee. The Iraqi Prime Minister inaugurated the Al-Zaytoon Baghdad / Mövenpick Hotel on Saturday, marking a partial opening of its main facilities in preparation for the upcoming Arab Summit in Baghdad. PM Mohammed S. Al-Sudani highlighted that the hotel is one of the largest private sector projects in tourism and hospitality in the […]
GE Vernova to Upgrade Bazyan Power Plant
By John Lee. GE Vernova has announced plans to install its new AGP XPAND upgrade at the 1,250 MW Bazyan [Bazian] Power Plant in Iraqi Kurdistan, operated by Taurus Energy [Taurus Arm], part of the Onex Group. The announcement was made at a ceremony in Sulaymaniyah, attended by H.E. Qubad Talabani, Deputy Prime Minister of […]
Iraq and ACWA advance Najaf Solar Power Plant
By John Lee. Minister of Electricity Ziyad Ali Fadel held what he described as a productive meeting with representatives of ACWA Power of Saudi Arabia, one of the world's leading renewable energy companies, to finalise contracting procedures for the establishment of a 1,000-megawatt solar power plant in Najaf. The two sides agreed on a roadmap […]
APIKUR Criticises Baghdad Oil Pipeline Engagement
By John Lee. Representatives of the Association of the Petroleum Industry of Kurdistan (APIKUR) and other international oil companies met with Iraqi and Kurdish officials on 20th April to discuss restarting oil exports via the Iraq-Türkiye Pipeline, but according to a statement from APIKUR on Sunday, no agreement was reached. The trade body said its […]
World Bank and IMF meet with Iraqi Finance Minister, Central Bank
By John Lee. Iraqi Finance Minister, Mrs Taif Sami Mohammed, along with the Governor of the Central Bank of Iraq (CBI), Dr Ali Al-Alaq, participated in the Annual Spring Meetings of the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund (IMF), held in Washington from 20-23 April 2025. The discussions focused on global economic challenges, financial […]
Swiss Firm to build Grain Silo in Kirkuk
By John Lee. Iraq's Minister of Trade, Dr Atheer Dawood Al-Ghurairi, laid the foundation stone on Thursday for a new modern grain silo in Kirkuk province, with a storage capacity of 60,000 tonnes. The project forms part of the Ministry's infrastructure development strategy to support the agricultural sector and increase national storage capacity. Speaking at […]
EBRD Enables Expansion into Iraq
By John Lee. The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) has amended its statutes, enabling it to expand operations into sub-Saharan Africa and Iraq. According to a statement from the bank, this pivotal change redefines the Bank's geographic remit and follows approval by its Board of Governors in 2023. The amendment will formally take […]
Iraq Announces Talent Scholarship Program to Int'l Universities
By John Lee. Iraq's Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research has announced the Talent Scholarship Program for the academic year 2025/2026 at advanced international universities. Dr. Naeem Abd Yaser Al-Aboudi emphasized that the Ministry has taken steps to secure the necessary financial requirements and communicate with foreign universities. According to a statement, he directed […]
Ur Tourist City Projects Advance
By John Lee. Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed S. Al-Sudani visited the historic Ur Tourist City in Dhi Qar Province on Sunday, inspecting both the ancient Sumerian open-air theater and ongoing tourism projects launched during his previous visit last August. Al-Sudani reaffirmed the government's commitment to advancing development and tourism initiatives, citing positive public support and […]
WFP Iraq Country Brief, March 2025
In Numbers 15,276 people assisted USD 523,444 in cash-based transfers made USD 14.9 million six months (April - September 2025) net funding requirements Operational Updates General Food Assistance WFP provided e-vouchers to over 4,000 resident beneficiaries (1,186 households) in the Al-Amal Rehabilitation Centre (formerly Jed'ah 1 Centre) in Ninewa Governorate. Additionally, WFP provided cash assistance […]