Iraqi PM discusses Russian Investment
By John Lee. On Wednesday, Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shiaa Al-Sudani received the Chairman of the Russian Union of Manufacturers and Businessmen and the founder of Lukoil, Mr. Vagit Alekperov, along with his accompanying delegation. During the meeting, discussions were held regarding Russian companies operating in Iraq, in light of the visit made by the […]
Visa-Free Entry to Iraqi Kurdistan for Citizens of 53 Nations
In a recent move by the Kurdistan Regional Government's Ministry of Interior, citizens from 53 countries have been granted the ability to enter the Kurdistan Region without a pre-arranged visa. Under this new policy, eligible travellers simply need to present their passports at any border entry point, where they will be issued an electronic visa, […]
Nebras Petrochemicals Project: "Door Open" for Int'l Companies
By John Lee. Prime Minister Mohammed Shiaa Al-Sudani chaired a meeting Sunday evening to discuss the completion of the Nebras Petrochemicals Project, which has been pending since 2015, and is one of the priorities of the economic reform that the government is focusing on. During the meeting, the appointment of a consulting entity for the […]
Iraq, Netherlands to set up Cooperation Council
By John Lee. Iraq and the Netherlands have agreed to set up what they describe as a "comprehensive bilateral cooperation council." The announcement follows talks last week between Prime Minister Mohammed Shiaa Al-Sudani and his Dutch counterpart, Mark Rutte. A statement from the Prime Minister's office said that the new council will branch out into […]
ITC hosts Iraq National Trade Forum
By John Lee. With support from the government of Iraq, the International Trade Centre (ITC), a joint agency of the United Nations (UN) and the World Trade Organization (WTO), organized a two-day trade forum to help Iraqi businesses to identify and develop trade opportunities. The Forum was funded by the European Union (EU). According to […]
Smartphone Market in Iraq nearly Doubles
By John Lee. The market for smartphones in Iraq has reportedly grown by 86 percent year-on-year in Q4 2023. According to research by Canalys, this has come, "despite rising restrictions on US dollar cash withdrawals by local banks exacerbating a shortage and driving up the parallel market exchange rate." It says that vendors including TRANSSION […]
26 Int'l Companies Express Interest in Baghdad Metro Project
By John Lee. Prime Minister Mohammed Shiaa Al-Sudani received representatives from the Chinese company China Railway, which is implementing the development project of Al-Nesoor Square in central Baghdad, as part of the first package of projects aimed at alleviating traffic congestion in the capital. During the meeting, attended by several advisors to the Prime Minister, […]
Can Turkey and Iraq pull off 'Dry Canal' Project?
From Al Monitor. Any opinions expressed here are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of Iraq Business News. Can Turkey and Iraq pull off the 'Dry Canal' project? While experts believe the 'Dry Canal' project [Development Road project] involving road and rail networks faces an uphill battle, the initiative seems […]
QRCS Supports Patients with Cancer in Iraq
By John Lee. The Qatar Red Crescent Society (QRCS) has recently launched a new project to provide medical care for patients with cancer in Iraq. Full statement from QRCS: Within the context of backing the health sector in Iraq, Qatar Red Crescent Society (QRCS) has recently launched a new project to provide medical care for […]
IOCs push for "US Congressional Action" to Open Iraq Pipeline
By John Lee. The Association of the Petroleum Industry of Kurdistan (APIKUR) has urgently requested U.S. Congressional action to facilitate the reopening of the Iraq-Türkiye pipeline (ITP). In a statement, APIKUR says, "this vital conduit for the KRI's economic well-being has been closed due to political disagreements, which is directly affecting U.S. interests, and the […]
Five One Labs issued Annual Report
By John Lee. Iraq-focussed startup incubator Five One Labs has issued its annual report for 2023. The report includes a look back over the past six years from the perspectives of founders Alice Bosley and Patricia Letayf, along with an overview of the organisation's new initiatives in Iraq. Click here to download the report. (Source: […]
Iraq falls to Another New Low in Democracy Index
By John Lee. Iraq has fallen to another new low in the Economist Intelligence Unit's annual Democracy Index. Falling four places to 128th out of 167 countries, Iraq is classified as "authoritarian", and scores lower than countries such as Jordan, United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Zimbabwe. The score is Iraq's lowest since the Index was […]