By John Lee. The World Bank has recently published the National Education Strategy for Iraq 2022-2031 or also referred to as Iraq National Education Strategy (INES). Although issued in September 2024, the report covers the period from 2022 to 2031. According to a press release, the new document reflects on current challenges and presents a […]
By John Lee. Iraq's Cabinet has revised an earlier decision to merge its Agricultural, Industrial and Real Estate Banks. At the start of 2024, the Cabinet approved a contract with UK-based professional services firm Ernst & Young (EY) to study the merger of Industrial Bank, Real Estate Bank, and Agricultural Bank [Agricultural Cooperative Bank?] into […]
By John Lee. As part of its financial reform efforts, Iraq's Cabinet has approved the allocation of 4 billion dinars [$3 million] to the Iraqi Securities Commission for the modernization and maintenance of electronic systems used for stock and bond trading. The project, exempted from standard government contract procedures, will be executed in partnership with […]
By John Lee. Iraq's Cabinet has revised the sale price of asphalt to 450,000 dinars [$343] per ton, up from 350,000 dinars, applicable equally to both public and private sectors. Asphalt from the Qayyarah refinery will remain at 300,000 dinars per ton for all types, with pricing to be reviewed in four months. An 80-percent […]
By John Lee. Iraq has approved a series of infrastructure projects, focussing on the construction of roads and bridges. These projects aim to improve connectivity and support economic growth across various provinces. Key developments include: Baghdad: Preparation of studies and technical feasibility for the construction of the road (Amara - Kut - Baghdad - Kirkuk) […]
By John Lee. Iraq's Minister of Interior, Abdul Amir Al-Shammari, has inaugurated a new armored vehicle production line under the Defence Industries Commission (DIC), with support from Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani. According to a statement from the Ministry, the initiative aims to enhance the supply of military equipment to Iraq's security forces. It says […]
By John Lee. The Central Bank of Iraq (CBI) has identified irregularities in the operations of several exchange companies regarding the sale of U.S. dollars allocated to travellers. A recent audit and monitoring of company practices revealed that some exchange firms have been charging citizens a commission of 50,000 dinars for purchasing dollars, double the […]
By John Lee. Iraq's Integrity Commission and China's National Supervisory [Oversight] Commission have signed a memorandum of understanding to strengthen cooperation in combating corruption, pursuing fugitives, and recovering assets. The agreement aims to align efforts with the Belt and Road Initiative, promoting transparency and clean governance. Iraq's Integrity Commission head, Judge Haider Hanoun, emphasized the […]
By John Lee. Iraq's Ministry of Oil has announced finalised oil export volumes for August, 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: 105,845,599 barrels. Exports from the oil fields in […]
By John Lee. Iraq's Deputy Minister of Oil for Refining, Hamid Younis (pictured), has announced the ministry's commitment to achieving self-sufficiency in all types of petroleum products to support the national economy. The country has already stopped importing gas oil (kerosene) and white oil, and has significantly reduced gasoline imports. Younis highlighted ongoing projects aimed […]
By John Lee. Iraq's Ministry of Transport has announced new direct flights between Baghdad and Sharjah, starting on October 17, with four weekly flights. The initiative is part of the ministry's plan, overseen by Minister Razzaq Mohibis Al-Saadawi, to expand Iraq's international flight network and enhance civil aviation. The new route aims to strengthen commercial […]
By John Lee. The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), in partnership with the Government of Japan, has rehabilitated a nursery in Baqubah, Diyala, enhancing both agricultural output and economic growth in the governorate: Impact: Over 4,000 farmers in Diyala will benefit. The nursery will produce more than 25,000 seedlings annually. Support includes modern irrigation techniques […]
