By John Lee. The Iraqi Ministry of Planning held a workshop on August 7, 2025, to review and discuss the final draft of the National Policy for the Development of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs). This policy is set to be adopted as a key national document supporting this vital sector, with ongoing technical […]
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 […]
By John Lee. Under the patronage of Central Bank Governor Ali Mohsen Al-Allaq, a workshop has been launched to support the implementation of the bank's new strategy to increase private sector lending, with a focus on small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). In his opening remarks, Governor Al-Allaq emphasised the bank's commitment to addressing challenges in […]
By John Lee. Prime Minister Mohammed S. Al-Sudani has launched the operations of the Permanent Council for the Development of the Private Sector in Iraq. The initiative aims to strengthen the role of the private sector in the national economy and address key legislative and institutional barriers. Prime Minister Al-Sudani highlighted the Council's responsibility to […]
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. Germany's Frankfurt School of Finance and Management has won a contract with the International Labour Organization (ILO) to, "enhance the operational efficiency and effectiveness of the Iraqi Company for Bank Guarantees (ICBG)." The contract value was not disclosed. According to information provided by the UN, the project has four primary objectives: Optimize […]
By John Lee. The Prime Minister of Iraq has directed the allocation of land for the creation of an industrial city dedicated to small businesses, particularly those supported under Riyada Initiative [Iraqi Riyada Network for Access Development and Advancement, IRADA Network]. Mohammed S. Al-Sudani said that, to date, the initiative has granted loans to around […]
By John Lee. The International Labour Organization (ILO), Iraq's Ministry of Planning (MOP), and the Italian Agency for Development Cooperation (AICS) have held a two-day conference to discuss the national Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) development Policy for Iraq by bringing together government entities, international organizations, employer and worker groups, and financial institutions to […]
By John Lee. The European Union Mission in Baghdad has held a conference focused on empowering youth and supporting small and medium enterprises (SMEs). According to a statement from the Ministry of Trade's media office, the conference saw broad participation from Iraqi youth, including students, entrepreneurs, and activists. The statement highlighted the Ministry of Trade's […]
By John Lee. A delegation from Iraq, led by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Planning Mohammed Tameem, met with a delegation from the United States government, headed by Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken, in the High-Level Coordination Committee (HCC) meeting yesterday, April 15th. The meeting was held in accordance with the 2008 Strategic […]
By John Lee. A memorandum of understanding has been signed between the Small and Medium Enterprise Development Agency (KOBIA) of Azerbaijan and the Federation of Iraqi Industries, fostering collaboration in the provision of services to small and medium enterprises (SMEs). The agreement was formalized during the 3rd session of the Joint Commission for Economic, Scientific, […]
The Iraqi Riyada Network for Access, Development, and Advancement (IRADA Network) was launched recently in Baghdad. It is the creation of a consortium of prominent institutions specializing in business development and entrepreneurship, including the RWANGA Foundation in Iraqi Kurdistan, Qaf Lab in Mosul, and Tafa3ul Hub from Basra. Institutions From Baghdad include Computiq, The Station, […]
