Five New Initiatives to Empower Iraqi Women
By John Lee. Prime Minister Mohammed S. Al-Sudani announced five developmental projects and programs aimed at supporting and empowering women, during a celebration marking the National Day of Iraqi Women on March 3. The initiatives include: The Third National Plan for Women, Peace, and Security (2025-2030) to enhance women's participation in decision-making, strengthen protections against […]
Iraq's Central Bank Increases Gold Reserves by 45.1%
By John Lee. The Central Bank of Iraq (CBI) has reported a 45.1-percent increase in its gold reserves in Q4 2024 compared to the same period in 2023. Reserves rose from IQD 12.29 trillion in Q4 2023 to IQD 17.83 trillion [$13.6 billion] in Q4 2024, driven by both an increase in gold holdings and […]
Iraq's Oil Marketing Organization announces new Director General
By John Lee. Iraq's State Oil Marketing Organization (SOMO) has announced Ali Nizar Fayeq al-Shatari as its next Director General. He succeeds Khudhyer Abbas Abed, who has held the role for less than a year. Originally qualified as a chemical engineer from the University of Baghdad, Al-Shatari completed an MSc in Energy Economics and Policy […]
PowerChina Discusses Energy Projects with Iraqi PM
By John Lee. Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed S. Al-Sudani met with PowerChina CEO Chen Guanfu and his delegation to review the company's ongoing energy projects in Iraq, including solar energy, combined cycle, and gas power plants. The discussions focused on expanding PowerChina's operations in line with the government's strategic energy diversification plans. The meeting also […]
PM Directs Immediate Launch of Govt Renewable Energy Projects
By John Lee. Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed S. Al-Sudani chaired a meeting of the National Team for Renewable Energy Projects and Energy Efficiency, where he reviewed plans to enhance clean energy production and improve energy efficiency across Iraq. The Prime Minister emphasized the critical role of solar power in reducing reliance on traditional fuels and […]
Iraq Improves (slightly) in Democracy Index
By John Lee. Iraq has improved slightly in the Economist Intelligence Unit's annual Democracy Index. Rising two places to 126th out of 167 countries, Iraq is classified as "authoritarian", and scores lower than countries such as Jordan, United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Zimbabwe, but higher than Kuwait, Saudi Arabia and Iran. The report finds that […]
Building Entrepreneurial Skills to Support MSMEs in Iraq
From United Nations Iraq. Any opinions expressed are those of the author(s), and do not necessarily reflect the views of Iraq Business News. Building Entrepreneurial Skills to Support MSMEs and Job Creation in Iraq The International Labour Organization (ILO) is strengthening the entrepreneurial ecosystem in Iraq by providing training to support micro, small, and medium-sized […]
Major Infrastructure and Energy Projects in Muthanna
By John Lee. Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed S. Al-Sudani concluded his visit to Al-Muthanna Governorate, during which he launched and inaugurated several key projects across energy, housing, healthcare, infrastructure, and industry. Key Announcements: Energy Sector: Launched construction of the Samawa Gas Power Plant (250 MW) as an investment project. Approved the establishment of a new […]
Iraq's Osoul Foundation Signs Agreement with US-Based ITIC
By John Lee. Iraq's Osoul Foundation for Economic Development and Sustainability has signed a strategic cooperation agreement with the International Tax and Investment Center (ITIC) in Washington, aimed at enhancing Iraq's business environment. The signing ceremony was attended by government officials, business leaders, global companies, diplomats, and international organisations. The agreement aligns with Iraq's economic […]
Iraq and Russia Strengthen Cooperation with New Agreements
By John Lee. The 10th meeting of the Iraqi-Russian Joint Committee was held in Baghdad this week, co-chaired by Iraq's Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein and Russia's Minister of Energy Sergei Tsivilev. Hussein emphasized the longstanding ties between the two nations and the broad scope of cooperation, while Tsivilev reaffirmed Russia's commitment […]
Shanghai Company Advances Waste-to-Energy Project in Iraq
By John Lee. Iraq's National Investment Commission (NIC) hosted a high-level delegation from China's Shanghai Environment Company [Shanghai SUS Environment] to discuss investment contract requirements for Iraq's first waste-to-energy power plant. The company, which holds the investment license for the project, aims to develop a high-efficiency incineration plant that will generate up to 100 MW […]
Iraqi PM Launches New Housing Project
By John Lee. Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani inaugurated the construction of 10,000 serviced residential plots in Nahrawan, Baghdad, as part of the government's broader housing initiative. The 2,500-donum project aims to provide integrated infrastructure, including water, electricity, roads, schools, and healthcare facilities. Al-Sudani emphasized the government's strategy of expanding towards urban outskirts to alleviate […]