The economy is recovering well amid high oil prices, with real GDP projected to reach its pre-pandemic level this year. Cushioning the impact of surging food prices on the most vulnerable is the most urgent priority. Using the current favorable oil market conditions to accelerate structural reforms and advance socio-economic priorities will be key to […]
By John Lee. According to the recently-published World Economic Outlook from the International Monetary Fund (IMF), Iraq's economy is forecast to grow by 9.5 percent this year, giving it the fastest real GDP growth of all the Middle East and Central Asia countries. The 2023 expectation of 5.7 percent is just one percentage point behind […]
Iraq's economy is gradually recovering from the twin shocks of the pandemic and collapse in oil prices in 2020. Both oil and non-oil growth are on track to reach their pre-pandemic levels as oil production increases and the easing of COVID-19 restrictions restores domestic economic activity. Fiscal and external deficits are back to surpluses as […]
The economy is recovering from last year's sharp contraction, helped by higher oil prices and easing of the containment measures. Non-oil real GDP is expected to rebound by 12 percent in 2021 while the fiscal and current account balances are expected to improve significantly. Higher oil revenues present the opportunity to tackle Iraq's significant vulnerabilities, […]
From the World Bank: Iraq: Rising Fiscal Risks, Water Scarcity, and Climate Change Threaten Gradual Recovery from Pandemic Iraq's economic outlook has improved on the back of the recovery of global oil markets, with its GDP projected to grow from 2.6% in 2021 to over 6% in 2022-23. Nevertheless, without accelerated economic reform, unforeseen domestic […]
From the World Bank: Economic growth is gradually recovering following last year's pandemic-related contraction, partly due to higher non-oil activity. Improved global oil market conditions are expected to reinforce growth in the medium term and turn the fiscal and external balances to surpluses from 2021, and to reverse the recent surge in debt. Latest Developments: […]
IOM assessments highlight evolving economic needs under unprecedented impacts of COVID-19 in Iraq Necessary measures to contain the spread of COVID-19 combined with volatile oil prices and a decrease in the value of the Iraqi dinar brought an end to two years of sustained economic growth in Iraq, heavily impacting individuals and communities affected by […]
By Bledi Celiku and Wael Mansour, for the Brookings Institution. Any opinions expressed are those of the author(s), and do not necessarily reflect the views of Iraq Business News. The resource curse refers to the failure of resource-rich countries to reap benefits from their natural wealth. Resource-cursed countries tend to be more prone to conflict, […]
Breaking Out of Fragility: A Country Economic Memorandum for Diversification and Growth in Iraq Iraq is at a crossroads. Almost two decades after the 2003 war, the country remains caught in a fragility trap, facing increasing political instability, growing social unrest, and a deepening state-citizen divide. Amid a multitude of crises (including an oil price […]
By Ali Al-Mawlawi, for the Italian Institute for International Political Studies (ISPI). Any opinions expressed are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of Iraq Business News. Economic Reform in Iraq: The Need for Focus and Persistence Iraq is facing the biggest challenge to its economy since 2003. Even during the […]
Jeanine Hennis-Plasschaert briefed ambassadors on latest developments, including the appointment last week of new Prime Minister Mustafa al-Kadhimi, and the majority of his 22-member cabinet, following months of political infighting and stalemate. Although the pandemic has quieted months of corresponding protests, which saw Iraqis taking to the streets to call for an end to corruption, […]
IBBC contributes to World Bank launch and assessment on Iraq Economic Monitor Iraq Economic Monitor - Spring 2020 - Navigating the Perfect Storm. The World Bank has released its latest report on Iraq entitled "Navigating the Perfect Storm" with a special focus on "Laying the Foundations for a New Economy in Iraq: Digital Transformation". See […]
