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 […]
By Ahmed Tabaqchali, Chief Strategist of AFC Iraq Fund. Any opinions expressed are those of the author, and do not necessarily reflect the views of Iraq Business News. IMF Sees Budget Boosting non-oil GDP Growth The equity market, as measured by the Rabee Securities U. S. Dollar Equity Index (RSISX USD Index), was down 1.9% […]
By John Lee. The International Monetary Fund (IMF), International Labour Organization (ILO), and World Bank have issued a detailed report on the reform of Iraq's pension system. The report, titled "Towards an Inclusive, Equitable and Sustainable National Pension System in Iraq", highlighted the following key points: Importance of Pension Systems: Central to social protection. Ensures […]
By John Lee. The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has issued a detailed report on the Iraqi economy. The following key points were highlighted: Improved Domestic Stability: Since the new government took office in October 2022, Iraq has experienced improved domestic stability. This facilitated the passage of its first three-year budget, which led to a large […]
By John Lee. The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has published a "High Level Summary Technical Assistance Report" looking at the tax system in Iraq. The report identifies six core reform areas: Establishing a reliable taxpayer base; Improving core functions through implementation of the SA system; Focusing on large taxpayers' compliance; Organizational design and workforce planning; […]
