By John Lee. A high-level review meeting has been held to assess progress on Iraq's strategic Development Road project, covering design, costs and operational planning. The meeting examined timelines proposed by the appointed auditing firm for completing reviews of rail and road designs, alongside discussions on design costs for both the railway line and the […]
By John Lee. The Banking Studies Centre at the Central Bank of Iraq (CBI) has organised a specialised training course on methods for detecting counterfeit local and foreign currency and comparing it with genuine notes. The course brought together staff from state-owned and private banks, as well as other financial institutions. It combines practical and […]
By John Lee. A cross-border transport operation has highlighted Iraq's growing role as a key land bridge between the European Union and the Middle East, significantly reducing journey times using the TIR system. A TIR shipment carrying film and photography equipment travelled from Hungary to Jordan via Iraq in around six days, compared with approximately […]
By John Lee. Spain has revised and eased its travel advisory for Iraq, aligning its position with other European countries and recognising the improvement in security conditions and stability across Iraqi cities and provinces. In updated guidance issued by the Spanish Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Madrid reiterated general non-binding travel precautions applicable worldwide, including health, […]
By John Lee. The Central Bank of Iraq (CBI) has published its National Financial Inclusion Strategy 2025-2029. The document was officially launched in May. Click here to download the full report [Arabic]. To browse our comprehensive library of reports on Iraq, click here. (Source: CBI)
By John Lee. The Prime Minister's Office hosted a meeting this week, chaired by adviser Eng. Adham Al Fakhar Al-Fakhar, to review outcomes of the Iraqi-French Business Forum delegation's visit to Paris. Discussions focused on forum sessions held in France, with participants presenting proposals and practical solutions aimed at converting talks into implementable projects in […]
By John Lee. At the Iraq Britain Business Council (IBBC) conference in Basra, Prime Minister Mohammed Shiaa Al-Sudani reaffirmed the government's commitment to advancing investment in cooperation with the private sector and international partners. Held under the theme "Gateway to Iraq," the conference gathered senior Iraqi and UK officials and leading companies to explore trade […]
By John Lee. Prime Minister Mohammed Shiaa Al-Sudani has inaugurated the first 63-km segment of the Development Road, linking the Grand Faw Port to the international highway in Basra. The opening marks a major milestone in the nationwide infrastructure programme and forms part of the government's "Year of Continuing Achievements". The completed section connects Iraq's […]
By John Lee. The Office of the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces has confirmed the results of the investigation into the 26 November drone attack on the Khor Mor gas field in Sulaymaniyah. Chaired by the Minister of Interior and involving federal and Kurdistan Region security agencies, the committee reported that the attack was conducted […]
By John Lee. Iraq's Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs has launched a lending initiative aimed at reducing unemployment by providing job opportunities for registered unemployed citizens. Under the programme, the Ministry's Department of Labour and Vocational Training -- through its Small Projects Funds -- will issue loans for the purchase of modern passenger vehicles […]
By John Lee. Iraq's Ministry of Planning has reported a decrease in both monthly and annual inflation rates for October 2025, but its announcement did not mention the actual rates. Ministry spokesperson Abdul Zahra al-Hindawi said field teams from the Central Statistical Organisation (CSO) recorded a 0.3% fall in monthly inflation compared with September, while […]
By John Lee. The Central Bank of Iraq (CBI) has presented detailed updates on its banking-sector reform programme, with Governor Ali Mohsen Al-Alaq outlining structural plans aimed at rebuilding a compliant and modern financial system. Al-Alaq said the engagement of Oliver Wyman followed restrictions on dollar transactions imposed on a number of Iraqi banks, noting […]
