By John Lee. An Iraqi delegation, led by Finance Minister Taif Sami Mohammed, held discussions with IMF experts during the fourth Article IV consultations, held in Amman, Jordan, from February 27 to 29. Discussions centered on Iraq's reform program, focusing on fiscal and banking policies, digital infrastructure, financial inclusion, public debt issues, and measures to […]
By John Lee. A team from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) has concluded a visit with Iraqi officials, concluding: Economic activity is recovering, although oil production cuts are weighing on overall growth, and at the same time inflation has declined. The large fiscal expansion in the three-year budget law poses significant risks to fiscal and […]
By John Lee. The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has forecast growth in Iraq's real non-oil GDP 3.7 percent in 2023. Following a recent visit to Iraq, the IMF team also predicts inflation of 5.6 percent in for the year. Full statement from IMF: A staff team of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) led by Tokhir […]
Prime Minister Mr. Mohammed S. Al-Sudani, met on Thursday with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) Resident Representative, Mr. Gazi Shbaikat. During the meeting, they discussed Iraq's relationship with the IMF and the cooperation in supporting financial policies and plans to achieve stability in the Iraqi economy. They highlighted the importance of the financial and administrative […]
Iraq: Staff Concluding Statement of the 2022 Article IV Consultation Mission: A Concluding Statement describes the preliminary findings of IMF staff at the end of an official staff visit (or 'mission'), in most cases to a member country. Missions are undertaken as part of regular (usually annual) consultations under Article IV of the IMF's Articles […]
By John Lee. A high-level delegation from the Central Bank of Iraq (CBI), headed by the Deputy Governor, Dr. Ammar Hamad Khalaf, participated in the annual meetings held by the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank in Washington, DC. During the meetings they parties discussed cooperation with Iraq, and to provide the necessary […]
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 9.3 percent this year, giving it the fastest real GDP growth of all the Middle East and Central Asia countries. The forecast is slightly down from the 9.5 percent projected in the […]
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 […]
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, […]
By John Lee. Iraq has reportedly restarted talks with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) for a $4-billion loan to cover its budget deficit. More here. (Sources: Bloomberg, Arab News)
By John Lee. The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has published a new report into Iraq's customs and tariff arrangements. This report summarizes key findings and recommendations from a remote technical assistance (TA) assignment performed by a short-term expert (STX), Mr. Djamel Bouhabel, from January 17 to February 4, 2021, to the General Customs Authority of […]
