Tag Archives | private sector

Iraq Issued 180 New Licences for Industrial Projects in September

By John Lee. The Directorate of Industrial Development under Iraq's Ministry of Industry and Minerals has announced the issuance of 180 preliminary licences for new industrial projects during September, as part of its ongoing efforts to support the private sector and boost industrial activity across the provinces. Director General Dr. Ali Ibrahim Jinaan stated that […]

Iraq Designates 4th March as National Entrepreneurship Day

By John Lee. Prime Minister Mohammed Shiaa Al-Sudani has announced that 4th March will officially be recognised as National Entrepreneurship Day in Iraq. The declaration was made during the opening of the second "Riyada" (Entrepreneurship) Conference and Exhibition in Baghdad on Saturday. Al-Sudani praised the "Riyada" initiative as a key element of his government's economic […]

Iraq Approves 3 New Industrial Cities

By John Lee. The Iraqi Ministry of Industry and Minerals, chaired by Minister Prof. Eng. Khaled Battal Al-Najm, has approved the awarding of key industrial city projects during the second session of the Industrial Cities Authority's Board of Directors. Among the approved projects are: The establishment of Iraq's first pharmaceutical industrial city in Babylon, covering […]

Iraqi PM emphasises Private Sector Support for Economic Reform

By John Lee. Prime Minister Mohammed Shia' Al-Sudani presided over the Tax Conference for Economic Development and Investment Promotion in Baghdad, stressing that supporting the private sector is central to Iraq's economic reform agenda. He highlighted the government's commitment to providing an attractive environment for investors, implementing global business and taxation standards, and ensuring flexibility […]

Iraq Expands Youth Loan Programme under 'Riyada' Initiative

By John Lee. Prime Minister Mohammed Shiaa Al-Sudani chaired a meeting on Sunday to follow up on the implementation of the government's "Riyada" initiative and the disbursement of youth loans for qualified applicants. Al-Sudani highlighted the initiative's positive reception among young people, describing it as a foundation for a new labour market reality, encouraging private […]

Min. of Trade, ESCWA Discuss Support for SMEs in Iraq

By John Lee. Iraq's Ministry of Trade has held discussions with a delegation from the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia (ESCWA) Technology Centre for Entrepreneurship to explore joint mechanisms for empowering small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Iraq. According to the Ministry's media office, Director General of the Private Sector Development […]

Baghdad's "City of Gold" to Become Major Economic Engine

By John Lee. The City of Gold project in Baghdad, recently approved by Iraq's Minister of Trade and endorsed by the Ministerial Council for the Economy, has been hailed by the Trade and Economic Research Centre (TREC) as a transformational initiative that could significantly reshape the country's economic landscape. Dr. Mudhhir Mohammed Saleh, Financial Advisor […]

IMF Pushes Reform of Iraq's Banking System

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 […]

TREC, Iraqi Chambers Sign Agreement to Advance Knowledge Economy

By John Lee. The Trade and Economic Research Centre (TREC) has signed a cooperation agreement with the Federation of Iraqi Chambers of Commerce, aiming to bridge the gap between academic research and Iraq's commercial and economic realities. The partnership seeks to promote a knowledge-based economy by translating theoretical studies into practical policies that enhance market […]

New Scheme offers Iraqis Affordable Building Materials

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 […]

CBI Launches Programme to Boost Youth Entrepreneurship

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 […]