By John Lee. A new report from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) has said that the restructuring of state-owned banks (SOBs) can foster the development of the private sector and improve growth. It adds: "Strengthening the financial sector can support private sector credit, fostering investment and growth. "To this end, the authorities are finalizing a […]
By John Lee. The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has said that Iraq's economy is facing considerable headwinds, with non-oil sector growth slowing from 13.8 percent in 2023 to an estimated 2.5 percent in 2024, impacted by reduced public investment, a weaker trade balance, and financing constraints that led to the accumulation of arrears. Real GDP […]
By John Lee. The Executive Board of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) issued a statement on Wednesday (9th July) following the conclusion of its Article IV consultation with Iraq. It projects an average exchange rate (dinar per US$) in each of 2025 and 2026 of 1300, the same as for 2024, adding: "The CBI [Central […]
By John Lee. The Central Bank of Iraq (CBI) has issued a press release claiming extensive praise from an International Monetary Fund (IMF) mission, led by Jean-Guillaume Poulain, following meetings from 4th to 13th of May, 2025. The CBI statement, widely reported in local and international press, cites the post-meeting report from the IMF, which […]
By John Lee. A team from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) has concluded a visit with Iraqi officials, concluding: Economic Challenges: Iraq faces a highly uncertain global environment, declining oil prices, and acute financing pressures, which are harming economic activity and deepening existing vulnerabilities. Urgent Measures Needed: Contain the fiscal deficit by increasing non-oil tax […]
By John Lee. Iraqi Finance Minister, Mrs Taif Sami Mohammed, along with the Governor of the Central Bank of Iraq (CBI), Dr Ali Al-Alaq, participated in the Annual Spring Meetings of the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund (IMF), held in Washington from 20-23 April 2025. The discussions focused on global economic challenges, financial […]
By John Lee. According to the latest World Economic Outlook from the International Monetary Fund (IMF), Iraq's economy is forecast to shrink by 1.5 percent this year. This is a reduction from the 4.1 percent growth forecast in their October 2024 report. For subsequent years, the organisation predicts a return to strong growth. Globally, "the […]
By John Lee. Prime Minister Mohammed Shia' Al-Sudani addressed the Conference on Reforming the Iraqi Banking Sector on Monday, outlining an ambitious agenda to modernise Iraq's financial infrastructure and promote sustainable economic development. Key initiatives and achievements highlighted in the Prime Minister's address include: Implementation of a three-year national budget, enabling long-term planning and strategic […]
By John Lee. Iraq's delegation concluded its meetings with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) in Amman (February 24-26), with participants including Minister of Finance Taif Sami and the Governor of the Central Bank of Iraq (CBI). Discussions focused on Iraq's economic performance and sustainable growth prospects, with the IMF acknowledging the progress made. Key discussions […]
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 4.1 percent in 2025, up from 0.1 percent this year. A rate of 4.2 percent is projected for 2029. This would give it one of the fastest real GDP growths of all […]
By John Lee. A meeting of the Iraqi Cabinet this evening approved an increase in Iraq's quota at the International Monetary Fund (IMF) by 831.9 million Special Drawing Rights (SDR), equivalent to 1.45 trillion Iraqi dinars [$1.1 billion] based on the exchange rate as of October 8, 2024. This 50-percet increase in Iraq's previous quota […]
From the International Labour Organization (ILO): A holistic approach needed for reforming Iraq's pensions system in line with international labour standards A new policy note from the International Monetary Fund (IMF), International Labour Organization (ILO) and World Bank presents an overview of the key features of the comprehensive pension reforms in Iraq, including a tax-financed […]
