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 […]
Iraq Stock Market Report
Advertising Feature Rabee Securities Iraq Stock Exchange (ISX) market report (trading week ending: 27th February 2025. Please click here to view a table of listed companies and their associated ticker codes. RSISX Index Change RSISX Index Closings Change (w/w) (%) Change (YTD) (%) RSISX IQD Index 2,218.4 -1.0% -1.4% RSISX USD Index […]
CBI: Digital Payments to replace Physical Currency
By John Lee. In his speech to a conference in Baghdad, Ali Mohsen Al-Allaq, Governor of the Central Bank of Iraq (CBI), highlighted significant progress in digital payments, citing an increase in ATMs and e-wallets, which helped boost financial inclusion to 40% from 20% in just two years, supported by CBI initiatives. He noted that […]
World Bank supports $18m Iraq Pollution Initiative
The World Bank Board of Executive Directors approved a US$18.5 million project to support Iraq's efforts to minimize environment and health risks due to Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs) and other chemical pollution hotspots and improve livelihoods of local communities. The Integrated Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs) and Chemical Hotspots Project is co-financed by a US$13.49 million […]
Iraq announces Oil Exports for January
By John Lee. Iraq's Ministry of Oil has announced finalised oil export volumes for January, but has again not disclosed the value of oil exports for the month. This continues the practice of delayed or missing oil export data from the Ministry. Total exports of crude oil: 103,343,193 barrels. Exports from the oil fields in […]
Baghdad Reviews Progress at Akkas Gas Field Development
By John Lee. The Oil Ministry has reaffirmed its commitment to the development of the Akkas gas field, with Deputy Minister for Extraction Affairs, Eng. Basim Mohammed Khudair, chairing a meeting to assess the project's progress. Attendees included the Director General of Midland Oil Company (MdOC), the Director General of Reservoirs and Field Development, the […]