New Customs Rules in Force at Umm Qasr Port
From Almas Group Logistics: New Customs Regulations Take Effect at Umm Qasr Port: What Iraqi Importers Need to Know Iraqi Customs implements item-based duty calculations under Council of Ministers Decision No. 957/2025 applying customs duties based on individual item classification and value. Significant changes to customs clearance procedures are now in effect at Umm Qasr […]
Basra Oil Company to Take Over West Qurna 2 Ops
By John Lee. State-owned Basra Oil Company (BOC) has been approved by the Council of Ministers to assume responsibility for managing petroleum operations at the West Qurna 2 oilfield, in line with the provisions of the field's service and development contract. According to a statement from the Prime Minister's Office, the Cabinet decision also authorises the […]
GroFin Wins Contract for Date Palm Value Chain Financing
By John Lee. GroFin Mauritius has won a contract with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) for "Date Palm Value Chain Financing and Enhanced Services for Building Resilient Businesses in the Southern Governorates of Iraq," - reference 10496036/UNDP-IRQ-02002. Contract value is stated as $80,200. (Source: UNGM)
Sama Karbala Poultry Project: "Strategic Food Security Asset"
By John Lee. Sama Karbala poultry project represents a key pillar in strengthening Iraq's national food security and reducing reliance on imports, according to the head of the National Investment Commission (NIC). During a field visit to Karbala on Sunday, NIC Chairman Professor Haider Mohammed Makkiyah toured the poultry complex, one of the country's largest strategic […]
The Iraq-Türkiye Pipeline's Role in Iraq's Oil Export Security
By Yesar Al-Maleki, for the Institute of Regional and International Studies (IRIS) at the American University of Iraq, Sulaimani (AUIS). The opinions expressed are those of the author(s), and do not necessarily reflect the views of Iraq Business News. Rebuilding Resilience: The Iraq-Türkiye Pipeline's Role in Iraq's Oil Export Security The resumption of Kurdish crude […]
UK Firm Wins Contract with ILO in Iraq
By John Lee. UK-based Development Analytics Ltd has won a contract with the International Labour Organization (ILO) for: "Evidence-based Inclusive policy development for improved labour market performance and integration of marginalized groups in Northern Iraq" - reference rfx_2312_ROAS. The contract value was not disclosed. The objective of this assignment is to support the Kurdistan Regional […]
New Chlorine and Caustic Soda Plant for Basra
By John Lee. Iraq's State Company for Petrochemical Industries, part of the Ministry of Industry and Minerals, has announced the signing of a national partnership with Noor al-Hilal to establish a new plant for the production of chlorine and caustic soda in Basra. The company's Director General, Engineer Mazen Abdul Razzaq, said the project will […]
UNHCR IRAQ Monthly Update November 2025
From UNHCR: UNHCR IRAQ Monthly Update November 2025 Iraq generously hosts over 347,000 refugees and asylum-seekers, the majority (88%) of whom are Syrians. Approximately 81% of this population resides in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq. While most refugees and asylum-seekers live in urban and periurban settings, around 30% remain in nine refugee camps across the […]
Over $100bn in Investments in Iraq Over Three Years
By John Lee. Iraq has achieved more than US$102 billion in investments over the past three years, reflecting rising confidence among domestic and foreign investors, according to a 2025 review issued by the National Investment Commission (NIC). The NIC said that during 2025 it processed more than 850 investment applications across key sectors including energy, […]
KRG Says Region Received Only 41% of Federal Entitlements
By John Lee. The Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) has outlined what it claims is a significant funding shortfall in transfers from the Federal Government over the past three years, describing the situation as a "financial gap" and an effective blockade on investment. According to its data, the Kurdistan Region's total constitutional entitlement between 2023 and […]
Uzbek Businesses Urged to Enter Iraqi Market
By John Lee. The Chairman of the Uzbekistan Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Davron Vakhabov, has highlighted growing commercial opportunities in Iraq and Syria following recent meetings in both countries. He said the Iraqi market, with a population of around 46 million, and Syria, with nearly 25 million people, are opening rapidly, with strong demand […]
The UN's Continued Engagement in Iraq after UNAMI
From the UN Resident Coordinator's Office - Iraq: The United Nations' Continued Engagement in Iraq after UNAMI Following the conclusion of the mandate of the United Nations Assistance Mission for Iraq (UNAMI) on 31 December 2025, the United Nations continues its work in Iraq under the leadership of the United Nations Resident Coordinator, in close […]