Iraq blocks Telegram App over National Security concerns
By John Lee. Iraq's Ministry of Communications has blocked the messaging app Telegram, citing concerns relating to national security and "societal peace". In a statement on Facebook, the Ministry also said that the block was "in order to preserve the personal data of citizens," which it says Telegram has mishandled. It adds that the company […]
"High Demand" for Kurdish Potatoes in Gulf states
By John Lee. The Kurdistan Region of Iraq has started to export potatoes to the United Arab Emirates. According to a statement from the KRG, more orders are expected. Full statement from KRG: The agricultural sector in the Kurdistan Region is experiencing remarkable growth, particularly in the area of potato cultivation. This progress is evidenced […]
Iraq Imposes Addition Customs Duty on Imported Carpets/Rugs
By John Lee. Iraq has imposed an extra 60-percent customs duty on imported carpets and rugs (customs codes 57023230 and 57023210) from all countries and sources. This tariff will remain in effect for four years without any reductions, and it will also include monitoring of the local market during this period. According to a statement […]
Iraq Cracks Down on Dollar Smuggling
By David S Cloud, for the Wall Street Journal. Any opinions expressed are those of the author(s), and do not necessarily reflect the views of Iraq Business News. Iraq Cracks Down on Dollar Smuggling Under Pressure From U.S. Washington aims to stop the flow of dollars to Iran. Click here to read the full article […]
Iraq and Egypt Boost Diplomacy, but GCC Remains the Linchpin
By Yerevan Saeed for the Arab Gulf States Institute in Washington (AGSIW). Any opinions expressed are those of the author(s), and do not necessarily reflect the views of Iraq Business News. Iraq and Egypt Boost Diplomacy, but GCC Remains the Linchpin Increasing diplomatic engagements between Iraq and Egypt are helping to advance a more ambitious […]
Iraq Eliminates Trachoma as a Public Health Problem
Iraq eliminates trachoma as a public health problem The World Health Organization (WHO) congratulates Iraq for having eliminated trachoma as a public health problem, making it the fifth country in WHO's Eastern Mediterranean Region to achieve this milestone. "The success of Iraq's national trachoma programme has shown what can be achieved with national leadership and […]
Drought Threatens Iraqi Marshes
By Hussein Ali Alzoubi, for Fanack.com. Any opinions expressed are those of the author(s), and do not necessarily reflect the views of Iraq Business News. Iraq: Drought Threatens Marshes Iraq drought caused by natural, administrative and political factors prompted the Iraqis living near the marshes to migrate from their areas. Click here to download the […]
Iraqi Market Rallies as it Begins to Discount Budget's Passage
By Ahmed Tabaqchali, Chief Strategist of AFC Iraq Fund. Any opinions expressed are those of the author, and do not necessarily reflect the views of Iraq Business News. Market Rallies as it Begins to Discount the Budget's Passage The market, as measured by the Rabee Securities RSISX USD Index, was up 9.2% in June and […]
UNAMI awards $1.5m Contract to Basra Int'l Hotel
By John Lee. The United Nations Assistance Mission for Iraq (UNAMI) has awarded a contract for the rental of fully serviced interim accommodation and office facilities for UNAMI in Basra. It was awared to Sumer For Real Investments Ltd (doing business as Basra International Hotel), and will run for three years, from 1st August 2023 […]
Iraq to revive Oil Pipeline through Syria?
By John Lee. An Iraqi government spokesman has said that Iraq is considering reviving plans to use an oil export pipeline through Syria. Following Prime Minister Muhammad Shia'a Al-Sudani's visit to the country last month, Basem Al-Awadi told the state-owned Iraqi News Agency (INA) that Iraq is ready to discuss with Syria the development of […]
Genel Energy presentation on Results to the end-June
By John Lee. Genel Energy has issued a presentation relating to its half-year results to the end of June. Click here to download. (Source: Genel Energy)
Fitch Places Sumer Commercial Bank on Rating Watch Negative
By John Lee. Fitch Ratings has placed Iraq's Sumer Commercial Bank PSC's (SCB) Long- and Short-Term Issuer Default Ratings (IDRs) of 'CCC+' and 'C', respectively, and Viability Rating (VR) of 'ccc+' on Rating Watch Negative (RWN). It says the recent ban that prohibits SCB from dealing in US dollars restricts the bank's capacity to repay […]