By John Lee. State-owned Rafidain Bank has launched the 59th round of its "Leadership and Excellence" initiative to support small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). According to the bank, the new round allocates a total of IQD 1 billion (approximately $763,000) to 93 beneficiaries. The programme forms part of the entrepreneurship financing initiative supported by the Central […]
By John Lee. The Ministry of Trade has held talks with the German Agency for International Cooperation (GIZ) on launching an integrated business accelerators programme to support small and medium-sized enterprises with high growth potential. GIZ discussed with the Ministry's Private Sector Development Department the proposed framework for designing and implementing the programme, including evaluation […]
By John Lee. The Ministerial Council for the Economy has approved a proposal by the Ministry of Trade to establish a "Global Gold City" in Baghdad - a strategic initiative aimed at localising the gold and jewellery industry in Iraq and strengthening domestic production. Trade Minister Dr. Athir Daoud Al-Ghurairi described the project as a […]
By John Lee. Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani inaugurated the new 'Construction Basket' initiative on Wednesday, an innovative programme designed to provide citizens with access to building materials at competitive prices and on convenient instalment terms. The centre, located at the newly-opened Cooperation Center for Construction, is a joint venture between the Ministry of […]
By John Lee. The Central Bank of Iraq (CBI) has launched the "Knights" [Al Fursan] programme, a locally-developed initiative aimed at fostering youth entrepreneurship and supporting the private sector's role in national economic development. The launch event, held at the CBI's headquarters on 25 June 2025, was attended by Governor Ali Mohsen Al-Allaq, who emphasised […]
By John Lee. The Iraqi private sector confronts significant obstacles that must be addressed to unlock the country's economic potential, according to Professor Frank Gunter of Lehigh University, speaking at the Iraq Britain Business Council (IBBC) Spring Conference in London recently. Professor Gunter identified four critical challenges hampering private enterprise development in Iraq: Finance: Iraqi […]
By John Lee. Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed S. Al-Sudani visited the historic Ur Tourist City in Dhi Qar Province on Sunday, inspecting both the ancient Sumerian open-air theater and ongoing tourism projects launched during his previous visit last August. Al-Sudani reaffirmed the government's commitment to advancing development and tourism initiatives, citing positive public support and […]
By John Lee. Iraqi Prime Minister, Mr. Mohammed Shiaa Al-Sudani, chaired a meeting on Monday to continue discussions on the establishment of a fixed platform for processing imported gas in Al-Faw Port. According to a statement from the Media Office of the Prime Minister, the project is a crucial strategic initiative for Iraq, aiming to […]
